Large Artful Antique Persian Allover Sultanabad Rug, Country of Origin: Persia, Circa Date: 1900
This large antique Persian Sultanabad rug is an outstanding example of the allover format produced in the Arak weaving district of west-central Iran during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The Sultanabad region, reorganized by the Ziegler & Co. trading house beginning in the 1880s, became one of the most prolific and influential rug-producing areas in Persia, creating pieces specifically calibrated to appeal to Western taste while remaining rooted in the Persian decorative tradition. The allover format — a field covered edge to edge with a repeating or semi-repeating floral lattice rather than a central medallion — was one of the most characteristic and collectible Sultanabad compositions. This rug also stands within the highly desirable family of Sultanabad rugs, prized for spacious floral drawing and decorative authority.
This piece presents a rich, medium blue field of considerable depth and saturation, covered entirely by an intricate curvilinear floral lattice. Large, boldly drawn palmette heads in ivory, terracotta orange, gold, dark brown, and salmon pink are distributed across the field in a dense but rhythmically organized pattern, connected by sinuous vine stems and large acanthus-type leaves. The drawing is confident and slightly angular — slightly more robust than the finest Isfahan or Kashan work, which is characteristic of the Sultanabad regional style. Large ivory palmettes and curling feather-leaf forms give the composition strong visual momentum. The border is a warm ivory ground bearing a continuous bold scrolling floral vine in terracotta, gold, and blue, with a narrow dark inner guard and an outer guard stripe in similar tones. Collectors who appreciate this composition may also want to browse Ziegler rugs and Persian rugs for related large-scale workshop carpets with strong room presence.
The deep blue field combined with the warm terracotta and ivory floral work creates a jewel-like visual effect that is both bold and sophisticated. This rug works particularly well in rooms with warm-toned furnishings — aged wood, brass, velvet, or leather — and brings exceptional depth to more traditional interior settings. At large format, it defines and enriches a room with genuine grandeur. For help choosing the right proportions for a major living room or dining room, see our rug size guide.
Large-format antique Sultanabad rugs with deep blue fields and all-over floral compositions of this drawing quality are among the most prized pieces in the Persian antique market. This is a significant collector piece and a major decorative acquisition. If you need a different size or color, explore our custom rug service.
