About This Rug
This handmade antique wool rug dates to circa the 1880s. Three linked, serrated medallions extend along a richly ornamented dark navy field. Two muted blue medallions flank a coral-red centre, creating a strong rhythm through the elongated composition.
Each medallion contains angular flowers, branching forms, and small contrasting geometric details. Brick red, ivory, forest green, ochre, and brown add depth to the blue and coral palette. Fine stepped outlines connect the principal motifs without overpowering their intricate interiors.
Birds, Animals and Geometric Details
Stylised birds and small animal figures appear throughout the surrounding field. Some are outlined in ivory, while others use blue, red, or muted green. Their angular bodies and varied proportions reward close examination.
Checkerboard diamonds, tiny rosettes, and branching floral forms fill the spaces between these figures. Larger flowerheads punctuate the ground, giving the dense pattern a varied scale. The individual motifs remain distinct despite the richness of the overall design.
Ivory triangular panels interrupt the dark field along the sides and at the corners. Their contrasting grounds contain further geometric ornament. These lighter sections help define the stepped outline surrounding the three medallions.
Multiple Patterned Borders
An elaborate sequence of narrow borders frames the field. Star-like flowers, stepped forms, small diamonds, and scrolling ornaments alternate within the bands. Cream accents bring definition to the darker red, brown, and navy passages.
The borders vary in width and pattern, creating a layered frame around the pictorial centre. Small differences in drawing and spacing contribute to the rug’s individual handmade appearance.
Hand-Knotted Wool Construction
The rug is handmade and hand-knotted in wool. A folded-corner photograph shows the reverse weave beside the patterned face. Its low surface makes aspects of the knot structure visible in worn areas.
Measuring approximately 292.1 × 177.8 cm, it has elongated rectangular proportions. The three-medallion arrangement gives the design a clear lengthwise direction, while the surrounding figures provide interest across its full width.
Condition
Good overall condition for its age, with noticeable wear. The pile is low and uneven, with scattered worn areas revealing the knot structure. Colour and texture vary across the field and medallions.
The side edges show wear and local irregularities. Fringe remnants are uneven in length, and the outline is slightly irregular. Please examine the detailed photographs of the field, borders, ends, and reverse before purchasing.
Gentle use in a quieter position would suit its worn condition better than heavy foot traffic. Its appeal lies in the intricate drawing and aged surface, rather than uniform pile.
Key Details
Period: Circa 1880s
Material: Wool
Technique: Handmade, hand-knotted
Dimensions: Approximately 292.1 × 177.8 cm
Imperial dimensions: Approximately 9 ft 7 in × 5 ft 10 in
Decimal feet: Approximately 9.58 × 5.83 ft
Design: Three linked medallions, stylised birds and animals, checkerboard diamonds and multiple patterned borders
Colours: Deep navy, brick red, coral, muted blue, ivory, forest green, ochre and brown
Condition: Low uneven pile, exposed knot structure, colour variation, worn sides and uneven fringes
SKU: 1B1029
Why It’s Special
The birds and animals give this rug a distinctive pictorial character beyond its three-medallion structure. Its densely drawn field offers small discoveries throughout the design, balanced by a finely patterned border system.
