Antique Art Nouveau Irish Donegal Rug 49155, Country of Origin / Rug Type: Irish Rugs, Circa Date: 1920 – This breathtaking piece is the creation of the Donegal carpet works and was created around 1920. By the early part of the 20th century, Donegal had established its reputation for creating trendy, high-quality carpets that would become cherished both locally and around the world. Many of the designs were based on traditional Persian carpets, but they eventually began to take on a character that is unique and sets them apart.
The first thing that captures the attention is the vibrant colors of the piece. The rich, saturated green contrasts with the bright orange to create a piece that is visually striking. Another thing that stands out about this carpet is the use of shading and the range of colors. The colors encompass every area of the spectrum, creating a balance of warm and cool colors. Softer tones balance saturated ones to create a harmonious yet charismatic look.
It is easy to see the Persian influence in the design. The antique rug uses an abstract medallion and formal corners as the structure of the design. From here, the design takes a decidedly Donegal twist. The design uses large-scale abstract trellis and floral motifs. The designs are outlined in a way that makes them appear like stained glass. This technique gives it a decidedly Art Nouveau appearance, making it a classic example of this style.
This Irish carpet has a sheen that reflects the light beautifully and creates depth in the design as light strikes it differently throughout the day. This is a beautiful historical piece, but it would also add elegance to a modern room, too. Saturated colors and bold designs dominate the latest style trends, and this piece would fit in perfectly. As a collector’s piece, this is not only an excellent example of Donegal carpets of the early 20th century, it is also an excellent example of a classic Art Nouveau design.