79496 Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug, 10'05 x 19'00.

A Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad Masterpiece of Imperial Elegance

This hand knotted wool antique Persian Sultanabad rug, woven in the late 19th century, stands as a commanding testament to the golden age of Sultanabad production—when Persian workshops masterfully balanced grandeur with architectural discipline for elite European patrons. Created at a moment when scale, symmetry, and drama were prized above all, this piece was never meant to disappear into a room. It was designed to anchor salons, halls, and reception spaces with authority, refinement, and unmistakable presence.

The exceptional composition is defined by three monumental cruciform motifs aligned along the central axis, forming a stately procession that guides the eye through the length of the rug. Each iconic cross-like form is softened by cusped medallions, blooming palmettes, lotus blossoms, and finely articulated rosettes, ensuring the geometry remains lyrical rather than rigid. The deep blue field provides a dramatic backdrop, allowing the warm, glowing ornamentation to rise forward with sculptural clarity and ceremonial rhythm.

Surrounding this commanding interior, an intricate network of rinceaux and scrolling arabesque vines weaves the entire surface into a continuous botanical architecture. The interplay between the bold central motifs and the densely animated ground reflects the Sultanabad genius for combining monumentality with movement—where nothing feels static, yet everything remains perfectly ordered. This balance is precisely what made Sultanabad carpets so coveted in aristocratic European interiors of the late 1800s.

Framing the exquisite work of art, a lavish botanical border unfolds in harmony with boteh accents and meandering floral guard bands, creating a layered enclosure that feels both protective and indulgent. The border does not merely contain the field; it elevates it, reinforcing the rug’s stately proportions and sense of ceremonial enclosure. Rare, commanding, and unmistakably refined, this extraordinary masterpiece is not simply a decorative object—it is a statement of cultivated power, historic depth, and collector-level distinction.

• Abrash. Age Wear.
• Hand knotted wool.
• Made in Iran.
• Measures: 10'05 x 19'00.
• Pile Height: 0.19 of an inch.
• Date: 1880's. Late 19th Century.