Handmade in wool, this 12x17 antique Portuguese needlepoint rug is a rare new oversized curation in Rug & Kilim’s European rug collection—believed to originate in the early 20th century. On the Design: This piece features a particularly regal design, with both pictorials and floral patterns (as seldom seen in this spacious large size as in a needlepoint of any period). The central medallion features beige-brown depictions of griffins, mirrored in four directions like the other patterns and cartouches unfolding from the center of the piece with perfect symmetry. Beige and rich chocolate brown hues underscore the piece, with accents in light red, blue, green, and gold—an elegant and formal traditional piece with playful touches the keen eye will appreciate. Admirers of the craft may know this rug’s design was inspired by the original commission decorator Nancy Lancaster. In 1933, she set out to have the rug specially made by a Portuguese prison with a prominent weaving history for the Saloon at Ditchley Park. A depiction of the original rug can be seen in one of Alexandre Serebriakoff’s watercolors of the Saloon. It’s a fabulous work of European history, and an extremely collectible rug for its provenance, worthy of the most sophisticated projects today. Condition: This oversized antique European rug further enjoys good condition for its age and origin.
