About This Rug
This handmade antique wool rug dates to circa 1880. Serrated diamond medallions create an expressive all-over composition across a dark brown and navy ground. Their varied colours and irregular spacing give the textile a lively, individual character.
Each medallion contains smaller angular forms, including nested diamonds and cross-like details. Coral red, ivory, medium blue, forest green, and ochre alternate throughout the field. Dusty pink accents soften the contrast between the darker ground and brighter motifs.
An Expressive Geometric Composition
Rather than centring the design on one dominant motif, the rug distributes its medallions across the entire field. Some are broad and rounded, while others appear narrower or more elongated. Their serrated outlines create a rhythmic interplay of points, steps, and contrasting colour.
Small geometric ornaments occupy the spaces between the larger forms. Slender angular lines and tiny contrasting details add another layer of interest. The variations remain visible throughout the composition, rewarding close examination without overwhelming the overall pattern.
Rosette and Floral Borders
A broad border of multicoloured rosettes frames the geometric field. Alternating navy, blue, coral, ivory, and muted green forms repeat around the perimeter. Their rounded shapes contrast with the sharply drawn medallions inside.
Ivory scrolling floral bands flank the rosette border. Small flowers and curling stems create a lighter frame around the dark centre. Fine reddish dividing lines bring continuity to the layered border arrangement.
Hand-Knotted Wool Construction
The rug is handmade and hand-knotted in wool. Its low pile reveals aspects of the knot structure and underlying weave. A folded-corner photograph shows the reverse alongside the patterned face.
Measuring approximately 124.5 × 188 cm, it has a compact rectangular format. The slightly irregular outline complements the variations in the drawing, while remaining an important consideration when planning placement.
Condition
Noticeable age-related wear is present throughout, with low and uneven pile. Scattered worn areas expose the knot structure, particularly across the darker field. Colour and texture vary across the surface.
The edges and ends show wear, with closely trimmed fringe remnants and a slightly irregular outline. Please examine the detailed photographs of the field, borders, corners, ends, and reverse before purchasing.
This is a visibly worn nineteenth-century textile, rather than a full-pile rug. Display or a quieter position with gentle use would better suit its condition than a busy passage.
Key Details
Period: Circa 1880
Material: Wool
Technique: Handmade, hand-knotted
Dimensions: Approximately 124.5 × 188 cm
Imperial dimensions: Approximately 4 ft 1 in × 6 ft 2 in
Decimal feet: Approximately 4.08 × 6.17 ft
Design: Serrated diamond medallions, geometric infill motifs, rosette border and scrolling floral bands
Colours: Coral red, navy, medium blue, ivory, forest green, ochre, dusty pink and dark brown
Condition: Low uneven pile, exposed knot structure, edge and end wear, short fringe remnants and irregular outline
SKU: 1B1028
Why It’s Special
The varied medallions give this rug a particularly expressive surface. Its combination of angular geometry and softer floral borders creates a distinctive contrast within a compact format.
