79674 Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug, 09'06 x 13'03.

A Noble Reverie: Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad Masterpiece of Distinction

This hand-knotted wool antique Persian Sultanabad rug, woven in the Late 19th Century, is a remarkable embodiment of Persian grandeur and cultivated refinement. Created during the golden age of Sultanabad weaving, when these carpets were commissioned for stately residences and cosmopolitan drawing rooms, this exquisite work of art possesses an unmistakable aura of aristocratic distinction. Its spacious composition, luminous abrashed field, and architectural framing evoke the elegance of a grand salon, where every detail speaks to lineage, discernment, and enduring prestige.

At the heart of the exceptional composition rests a commanding navy blue medallion with golden scalloped edges, rendered with a sculptural presence that recalls the ornamented ceilings and carved cartouches of noble interiors. Within this majestic insignia, finely drawn rosettes, lotus blossoms, stylized palmettes, and scrolling acanthus tendrils unfold in harmonious symmetry. The central rosette symbolizes celestial balance and spiritual continuity, while the lotus and palmette forms signify immortality, abundance, and courtly prosperity. The curling acanthus ornament introduces a sense of classical opulence, its flowing movement suggesting vitality and perpetual renewal. At either end, navy cartouche pendants extend the medallion’s ceremonial authority, reinforcing its role as the visual and symbolic heart of the carpet.

Surrounding this centerpiece is an open abrashed crimson field, one of the most luxurious features of this Sultanabad. The gentle tonal variation within the red ground creates an extraordinary sense of depth and movement, like silk drapery illuminated by candlelight. This openness is deliberate and highly prized, allowing the medallion and corner ornamentation to breathe with elevated restraint. The elaborate navy corner spandrels, enriched with stylized florals and foliage that echo the medallion, create an elegant architectural balance. Blossoms suggest prosperity and blossoming life, while scrolling foliage and vine fragments allude to the Garden of Paradise, a recurring Persian metaphor for eternal serenity and cultivated beauty.

Framing the extraordinary masterpiece is a distinguished navy Herati border, richly articulated with the classic water-garden motif of rosettes and leaf forms. Traditionally associated with abundance, continuity, and the life-giving flow of nature, the Herati pattern lends historical gravitas and decorative authority. The triple guard borders create a layered architectural cadence that enhances the carpet’s stately presence. This is a cultural artifact of unrivaled elegance—perfect for interiors ranging from English Country House and Old World classical settings to refined contemporary spaces seeking historical depth and social prestige. It does not merely furnish a room; it bestows upon it legacy, ceremony, and timeless distinction.

• Abrash.
• Hand knotted wool.
• Made in Iran.
• Measures: 09'06 x 13'03.
• Pile Height: 0.13 of an inch.
• Date: 1890's. Late 19th Century.