Antique Irish Donegal Carpet
Rug #2094A Rare and Fine Donegal Carpet, Ireland
Circa 1880
The pale blue field with an all over design of small flower heads issuing cruciform leaves framed by curvilinear scrolling leaves, supported by small star flower heads, within a caramel border enclosing red scrolling vines linking palmettes issuing pomegranates
Handmade wool carpets classified as Irish Donegal carpets were produced in the town of Killybegs in County Donegal, Ireland, as a trade mark brand, named Donegal Carpets. The business was founded in 1898 by Alexander Morton, whose name is synonymous as a Pioneer of the Arts and Crafts Movement established in the last quarter of the 19th Century. The creation of hand-made carpets in Donegal boasts an ancient tradition, and as such, Morton, who had first set up a carpet crafting house on the West coast of Ireland, capitalised on the experienced Donegal weavers and put into practice their established techniques considering they had been working effectively with wool for generations. Gothic and ancient ‘Celtic’ tradition form a significant and important part of the Donegal design repertoire, with carpets displaying unique previously unseen styles of design incorporating Celtic, Gothic and Middle Eastern inspired motifs and patterns to create highly decorative carpets which suited the vernacular orientation of the popular Arts and Crafts style of interior decoration. This Irish Donegal carpet presents a highly individual decorative carpet. The pale blue background displays an all over multi directional pattern with a small red and ochre flower head issuing ochre leaves in a cruciform orientation, each of these elements framed within sets of four curled ochre leaves, and then repeated to form an all over design. The pattern motifs are inspired by both Middle Eastern and Gothic styles of ornamentation. Each element defined by either dark green or charcoal outlining. Small red and ochre star motifs in fill the repeat design. The caramel border displays a magnificent flowing design with gothic style scrolls issuing pomegranates. The pomegranate is an intriguing addition, and although associated with Neo Classicism which in turn is normally contrary to Gothic principals. However, much of the Gothic style evolved from Neo Classicism.
This Donegal carpet is an artistic triumph in true individual Irish Donegal carpet tradition, combining established Arts and Crafts influences. It clearly responds to the fashion of the times, epitomised by the Principals of the ‘Arts and Crafts’ Movement. The carpet is woven with fine wool, with an amazing range of complementary colours. This is rare and highly decorative example of Irish Donegal carpet production at its best.

Delivery
Delivery
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Estimated Delivery Times
Please allow between 1-3 days for UK, Europe and United States destinations and 5-7 days for Far East, South America, Middle East destinations.
Please note that orders placed after 12pm (UK time), on the weekend, or during holidays will be processed on the following business day. You will be provided with a shipping tracking number once your order has been shipped.
Collection from our Mayfair London showrooms
In-store collection will be ready within 1 business day. To collect in-store you will be required to show confirmation e-mail, official photo ID (passport or driving license) and the payment card used for the order. If someone else is collecting on your behalf, please make sure they bring a letter of authorisation that permits this person to collect on your behalf, official photo ID of the purchaser and of the person collecting and confirmation e-mail.

Exchanges
Exchanges
Essie Carpets offers clients a lifetime exchange service on any items purchased from us should you wish to change your carpets at any time in the future, subject to the item being in good condition; this can be particularly useful when redecorating your home, or when an upgrade in type or quality is desired.

Payment
Payment
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