79671 Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug, 15'06 x 18'03.

The Royal Constellation: A Late 19th Century Sultanabad Masterpiece of Splendor

This hand-knotted wool antique Persian Sultanabad rug, woven in the Late 19th Century, is a commanding expression of Persian grandeur, where architectural symmetry and botanical poetry meet in a composition of unmistakable prestige. Sultanabad carpets from this celebrated period were woven for refined interiors and cosmopolitan patrons, prized for their spacious drawing, noble scale, and decorative authority. Here, the luminous red field radiates warmth and ceremonial presence, carrying the softened patina of age that only a true antique can possess. It is an exquisite work of art that transforms a room into a statement of cultivated taste, heritage, and distinction.

The field is organized around five blue cusped medallions, each rendered with remarkable elegance and surrounded by extensions of rinceaux palmettes, Saz leaves, rosettes, and acanthus scrolls. These medallions appear almost celestial, floating like regal emblems across the crimson ground. Their cusped outlines evoke courtly cartouches and architectural niches, while the branching rinceaux and palmettes create a sense of movement reminiscent of unfolding garden scrolls. The Saz leaves, with their elongated serrated forms, speak to vitality and enduring growth, while the rosettes symbolize harmony and spiritual order. At each end, every medallion is anchored by a double cartouche, lending the composition an elevated architectural rhythm that recalls manuscript illumination and palace ornament.

Further enriching the field are Andalusian stars, floral vase motifs, scalloped roundels, and additional rosettes, each contributing to a visual language of abundance and cosmic balance. The iconic star emblems introduce a celestial dimension, long associated with divine guidance, fortune, and eternal continuity. The vase forms evoke the Persian garden tradition, where vessels overflowing with blossoms symbolize paradise, prosperity, and cultivated refinement. Scalloped roundels punctuate the field like ceremonial medallions, while the repeated florals soften the structure with lyrical grace. The result is a composition that feels both stately and atmospheric—an antique carpet that offers narrative depth as well as decorative magnificence.

Encasing the field is a stunning Samovar turtle vine scroll border, one of the most cherished border motifs in Persian weaving. Its flowing vine, stylized palmettes, and turtle-like floral forms symbolize protection, longevity, and the eternal flow of life. This sumptuous main border is flanked by triple guard borders, creating a layered architectural surround that heightens the rug’s sense of ceremony and permanence. Altogether, this Sultanabad is a collector’s piece of rare distinction—an heirloom of courtly splendor, botanical symbolism, and enduring luxury destined for interiors of exceptional character.

• Abrash.
• Hand knotted wool.
• Made in Iran.
• Measures: 15'06 x 18'03.
• Pile Height: 0.16 of an inch.
• Date: 1880's. Late 19th Century.