79528 Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug, 11'04 x 13'06.

The Manchester Garden: A Late 19th Century Persian Masterpiece of Refined Elegance

This hand knotted wool antique Persian Sultanabad rug, dating to the late 19th century, embodies the refined grandeur that made Sultanabad carpets coveted among Europe’s most discerning collectors. Woven during the height of the Manchester-export era, this extraordinary masterpiece reflects an intentional elegance—designed not for the nomadic tent, but for stately salons and grand interiors. Its scale and openness immediately signal prestige, offering a cultivated presence that feels both architectural and poetic, an heirloom created for rooms where legacy matters.

The field unfolds in a sophisticated allover botanical trellis, where lotus blossoms and peonies intertwine with rhythmic rinceaux. Each iconic motif carries symbolic weight: the lotus speaks to rebirth and immortality, while the peony asserts power, prosperity, and cultivated authority. Elongated palmettes stretch gracefully across the surface, lending the design a distinctly European sensibility, while lilies—emblems of purity and spiritual elevation—float among scrolling arabesque vines. The result is an exceptional composition that feels expansive yet disciplined, ornamental yet serene.

A richly nuanced abrashed terra cotta field animates the exclusive design with subtle movement, transitioning organically from deeper tonal saturation at the top to a softer, luminous presence below. This natural variation is not incidental—it is the hallmark of true antique weaving, prized by collectors for its depth, authenticity, and quiet drama. The visual journey across the field feels almost painterly, evoking timeworn frescoes and sunlit patina rather than static symmetry.

Framing the composition is a rare and evocative border of tree of life and cypress motifs set against a refined lavender ground, symbolizing eternity, resilience, and sacred continuity. Flanked by inner and outer botanical guard bands, the border creates a lush yet composed enclosure that elevates this exquisite work of art into the realm of museum-worthy design. This cherished treasure is not merely decorative—it is a statement of cultivated taste, historical literacy, and enduring status, reserved for collectors who understand that true luxury is woven, not manufactured.

• Abrash.
• Hand knotted wool.
• Made in Iran.
• Measures: 11'04 x 13'06.
• Pile Height: 0.21 of an inch.
• Date: 1890's. Late 19th Century.