This cotton rug was likely handwoven in the Deccan plateau of Southern India during the early 20th century.
This rare cotton pile rug is a wonderful example of early 20th century weaving from India’s Deccan region, likely originating from a workshop in Hyderabad or Bidar. Though long attributed to Agra, emerging scholarship suggests that many rugs of this type, with their Persianate design vocabulary and unique structural features, reflect a broader and more diverse history of Indian carpet production beyond the colonial centers.
The rug features a finely drawn lattice of floral sprays on a rust ground and framed by intricate floral borders in indigo, khaki, and soft blue. Both the pile and foundation are made entirely of cotton and the ends are wrapped in deep indigo cotton yarn on all four sides, a finishing technique more commonly associated with southern and central Indian workshops than with northern export production.
With its harmonious palette, natural dyes, and dense, low-cut pile, this piece reflects the refined artistry of a lesser-known regional tradition. It embodies a hybrid aesthetic rooted in Indo-Persian visual culture and courtly textile patronage, making it not only a decorative standout but also a compelling subject for collectors and scholars alike.
In very good condition, with limited wear.
Size: 4'1" x 7' [125cm x 213cm]
Age: Q1 20th Century (1900-1925)
Country of Origin: India
Type of Rug: Deccan
Material: Cotton
Pile Height: Medium
Condition: Very Good
BK2820
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