Antique European Rugs to Lead Nazmiyal Auctions’ June Sale

Centuries of history and tradition have informed European rugmaking, with countries located across the continent weaving carpets of all shapes, sizes, and colors. The latest Fine & Decorative Antique, Vintage & Modern Rugs sale from Nazmiyal Auctions particularly features these antique European rugs. Live bidding will begin at 12:00 PM EDT on June 2, 2024. Learn more about some of the top lots before the sale begins. 

Art Nouveau Irish Donegal Rug

Leading this upcoming sale is an Art Nouveau Irish Donegal rug (lot #218). Measuring 17 feet long and over 10 feet wide, this example comes to auction in very good condition. It has a presale estimate of USD 20,000 to $30,000. Irish Donegal rugs are associated with the country’s northwestern region. Weavers in Donegal have produced carpets for generations, and their work gained greater exposure with the founding of the Donegal Carpets company in 1898. The firm created wool spreads with classic Celtic designs through the 20th century. 

Donegal rugs were also influenced by the Art Nouveau movement, which embraced natural forms and beautiful details for everyday objects. American designer and manufacturer Gustav Stickley encouraged the development of Art Nouveau Irish Donegal rugs by exhibiting them in London and promoting them abroad. The pieces remain popular for their rich colors, Celtic influence, and detailed craftsmanship. 

17th-Century Transylvanian Rug

A 17th-century Transylvanian rug is another notable antique European rug in the upcoming sale (lot #207). This piece, which employs jewel tones and a center medallion, comes to auction in its original condition. It measures nearly six feet long and over four feet wide. It is estimated to sell for between $15,000 and $20,000. 

The Transylvanian region of Central Europe encompasses present-day central Romania. Historically, the area has served as a critical link between Europe and traders from the East. Rugs have held an important place in Transylvania’s culture for centuries. Their style is a composite of multiple influences, including Persian patterns and Turkish designs. Many were displayed and preserved in churches as decorative wall hangings.

French Art Deco Rug 

Several antique European rugs in the upcoming sale were inspired by the Art Deco movement, which flourished in Europe and the United States in the 1920s and ‘30s. Notable among them is a round French Art Deco rug designed by Jules Leleu (lot #250; estimate: $8,000 – $12,000). This large piece measures nearly ten feet round and features a cream background. A zigzag pattern borders the piece, accented by red and blue stars. Like many Art Deco pieces from the era, this carpet includes symmetrical elements and bold colors.  

French furniture designer Jules Leleu turned to the decorating field after World War I, opening a gallery in Paris in 1924. He exhibited and won a prize at the Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes show in 1925, securing his place as a founder of the Art Deco movement. Maison Leleu has continued as a legacy brand of French design. 

Rare Antique Austrian Art Nouveau Rug

Another key antique European rug in the upcoming event was inspired by the Art Nouveau movement and was produced in Austria (lot #217). With multiple borders and an elegant design, this carpet embraces the aesthetics of Art Nouveau. It features shades of cream, tan, and pale yellow. Thin blue lines, arranged in neat rows, dominate the center of the rug. It comes to auction with an estimate of $8,000 to $12,000. 

The international Art Nouveau movement sought to create a new set of design values, marking a clear departure from earlier sensibilities. Curved lines were prominent. Designers also turned to the natural world for inspiration, joining flower motifs with new materials and streamlined modernism. In rugs, Art Nouveau designs often achieved a harmonious, almost pictorial quality. Every element was intended to contribute to a bigger picture. 

In addition to antique European rugs, this upcoming sale will present over 150 lots of Persian, Turkish, and Chinese spreads. These range from a silk Tabriz Haji Jalili carpet to large Serapi area rugs. 

Live bidding for these items will begin on June 2, 2024 at 12:00 PM EDT. To browse the complete catalog and register to bid, visit Nazmiyal Auctions. Find additional coverage of this event on Auction Daily.