9'10 x 14' Hand-Knotted Indian "William Morris: Strawberry Thief" Room-Sized Rug
Item Details
A room-sized hand-knotted carpet produced in India, featuring the iconic ‘Strawberry Thief’ design originally created by William Morris in 1883. The composition depicts thrushes stealing strawberries among scrolling vinery and floral motifs, characteristic of the Arts and Crafts movement. The rug is constructed with a 100% wool pile on a cotton foundation, featuring approximately 200 knots per square inch (KPSI) and a pile height of 0.25 inches. The primary field color is a muted peach/salmon tone with secondary accents in blue, green, and gold.
The market for ‘William Morris’ designs remains exceptionally strong in the United States, driven by a resurgence of interest in Maximalist and English Country House aesthetics. While originally an 1883 woodblock-printed textile, the ‘Strawberry Thief’ pattern has been successfully adapted by Indian weaving centers for the hand-knotted carpet market. Valuation for this piece is significantly influenced by its construction method; hand-knotted examples (like this one) command much higher values than more common hand-tufted or machine-made versions of the same design. Indian production currently sets the benchmark for high-quality decorative reproductions, offering consistent knotting and traditional dyeing techniques that appeal to modern decorators. Market trends show that larger ‘room-sized’ rugs (approx. 10×14) in muted, updated palettes—like this peach field—perform better than more aggressive traditional red/blue palettes.
| Type | Room Sized Rug |
| Materials | Wool |
| Manufacturing Process | Handmade |
| Approximate Size | 10′ × 14′ |
| Origin | India |
| Period | 21st Century |
| Rug Type | Knotted |
| Additional Information | Zeigler style modern serapi rug depicting William Morris’ iconic pattern Strawberry Thief originally created in 1883. |
Condition
- intentional color shifts and abrash; snags, pilling and some lint; some creases and matting to pile.
Dimensions
- Measurements provided are approximate. Large rugs may be difficult to move or transport. The winner is responsible for bringing appropriate assistance and vehicle to pickup.
- Rugs and other textiles may retain minor imperfections throughout, including residual odor. Items might benefit from professional cleaning.
- We represent items accurately on our site to the best of our ability; computer monitor color calibration can vary, causing some colors to differ.
- Please note: If the winning bidder selects the warehouse transfer option, the item will be available for pickup at the selected warehouse three business days after payment has been finalized.
Item #
ITMGR77113
