The golden age of rug weaving in India, Persia and Turkey occurred in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries due to the Industrial Revolution in Europe. For the newly emerged merchant class at the time, oriental rugs primarily functioned as beautiful status symbols of wealth and good taste. Most of area antique rugs in the vast Doris Leslie Blau’s collection were produced during this period.

Antique rugs can vary in color, size, design, and material. Trends in utilizing antique decorative rugs are constantly changing. One of the current popular trends in buying antique carpets is towards neutral colors which can be used in any environment. Although antique decorative carpets come in a myriad of colors, every one of them has the potential to anchor a room and to create an inviting ambiance; after all, a rug is the foundation of any great room.