Vintage Portuguese Needlepoint Wool Rug With Medallion by Rug & Kilim, 1950-1959

Details

Description

Handmade in wool, this 5x9 vintage Portuguese Arraiolos needlepoint rug originating circa 1950-1959 is a charming addition to Rug & … Read more Handmade in wool, this 5x9 vintage Portuguese Arraiolos needlepoint rug originating circa 1950-1959 is a charming addition to Rug & Kilim’s Vintage collection. It highlights a central sky-blue floral medallion surrounded by graceful green vine scrolls across a warm beige ground.

On the Design:

Originating in the town of Arraiolos in southern Portugal during the 17th century, Arraiolos needlepoint carpets represent one of Europe's most distinctive folk-art textile traditions. Heavily influenced by Persian garden carpets brought to the Iberian Peninsula alongside regional Portuguese embroidery, these textiles are celebrated for their hand-stitched wool cross-stitching on woven canvas, featuring open fields and stylized botanical motifs. This 1950s piece masterfully honors that historical heritage, offering a serene, well-balanced rendition of classical Portuguese needlework.

At its focal center sits a tailored, sky-blue lozenge medallion anchored by a golden yellow blossom. The open beige field blossoms with undulating forest-green vines, delicate sky-blue flora, and soft pastel accents, arranged in elegant symmetry. A narrow, disciplined guard border decorated with subtle geometric dots and leafy vines frames the composition, finished with delicate fringe along the edges. Wool-stitched with remarkable precision, the flat, tactile needlepoint texture brings a light, relaxed sophistication underfoot. Preserved in wonderful antique condition, this Portuguese Arraiolos carpet effortlessly elevates traditional living rooms, sunrooms, bed chambers, or curated cottage interiors. The accompanying book, Anni Albers: Constructing Textiles by Brenda Danilowitz, is part of Volumes by Rug & Kilim. The book (SKU - B394) can be acquired independently through our bookstore.

Condition:

This vintage Portuguese rug is in good condition for its age and origin. See less