Doris Leslie Blau Antique Russian Bessarabian Botanic Rug

The Bessarabian nomenclature relates to a group of nineteenth century antique oriental rugs and flat weaves or kilims made in the mountainous Carpathian region between the Ukraine and Moldova. Although little is known about the circumstances or workshops where these oldest European carpet and flat weaves were fashioned, the output shows a synthesis of local folk motifs and designs inspired by eighteenth century French carpets popular at the Russian Court and in aristocratic circles.