Doris Leslie Blau Authentic Botanic Russian Bessarabian Handmade Rug

The Bessarabian nomenclature relates to a group of nineteenth century carpets 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 classical European carpets 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. Both metropolitan and provincial antique Bessarabian and Ukrainian rugs are distinguished from Western European urban weavings by less formal designs that manage to achieve an elegant balance between noble and poor, grace and force, making these unique flat weaves among the most sought after of decorative antique rugs and carpets.