Antique Sultanabad Rug

Foundation: Wool pile on cotton foundation Colors: Deep indigo-blue field, rich brick red, ivory, soft green, camel, and touches of golden yellow This beautiful antique Persian Sultanabad rug is a classic example of the highly decorative village weavings produced in the Arak region during the late 19th century. The rug displays an elegant all-over lattice design composed of interconnected floral palmettes, stylized blossoms, and geometric vine forms arranged across a rich midnight-blue field. Unlike the large-scale open patterns often associated with Sultanabad carpets, this example features a finer and more intricate repeating design that reflects the influence of Feraghan and Mahal weaving traditions. The dark indigo ground creates a dramatic backdrop for the vivid brick-red, ivory, and soft green motifs, producing exceptional depth and visual movement. The spacious ivory main border frames the field beautifully and provides strong contrast, while the secondary borders add refinement and balance. The wool appears lustrous and of excellent quality, and the natural vegetable-dyed colors have aged gracefully, creating a rich and harmonious palette. Why It Is Special This rug possesses many of the characteristics that make antique Sultanabad rugs highly desirable: exceptional decorative appeal, superb color contrast, an elegant all-over pattern, and a versatile size suitable for a wide range of interiors. The deep indigo field is particularly attractive and increasingly sought after by collectors and designers. The repeating lattice pattern creates a sophisticated visual rhythm while maintaining the tribal character and spontaneity of late 19th-century Persian village weaving. Its balanced proportions and refined drawing make it equally appropriate for traditional, transitional, and contemporary settings. Estimated Retail Value Considering its desirable size, attractive all-over design, strong colors, and very good condition: Current retail value: $4,500 – $7,000 High-end gallery or designer market: $7,000 – $10,000 If examination confirms an earlier date closer to 1880 and the rug retains unusually fine wool and natural dyes throughout, the value could exceed these estimates. This is a highly decorative and collectible antique Persian Sultanabad rug with excellent eye appeal and timeless design.