Once belonging to the King Umberto II of Italy, full name Umberto Nicola Tommaso Giovanni Maria di Savoia, and the last King of Italy, the King Umberto Esfahan Polonaise rug is now part of a private collection.
Original Polonaise carpets achieved their hallmark silver and gold shimmering grounds by wrapping extremely fine metallic threads around the silk yarns in a way that left the silk partially exposed. The metallic threads altered the appearance of the underlying dyed yarns, creating a golden appearance when integrated with yellow silks and a silver appearance with white, which is a classic example of the intricate historical Polonaise carpets.
Given its quality, condition, colour and provenance, this rug last appeared on the open market back in 2015 at a Sotheby’s auction, and sold for $790,000 dollars to a private American buyer. This was way above its low estimate of $245,650 which was already over the record for an oriental carpet at auction.
This rug is now estimated at $800,000 - $1,200,000.
This rug was previously shown at Sotheby’s in London on 17 October 1984, when it sold for what was at the time, an almost unimaginable world record sum of £198,000, equivalent to a quarter of a million US dollars today.
THE KING UMBERTO II ‘POLONAISE’ RUG, Property from a Renowned Private Collection
A ‘POLONAISE’ SILK AND METAL-THREAD RUG, ISPHAHAN OR KASHAN, CENTRAL PERSIA, 17th century
Our limited-edition 17th Century Modern King Umberto Skull design is a modernised interpretation of the original Polonaise carpet, which belonged to King Umberto II of Italy.
Knots Rugs have fused elements from this oriental traditional rug design with subtle skull tattoo imagery, bringing a new and original concept to the rug industry. Our King Umberto Skull rug has been finished with an oxidisation technique which effects the wool beneath the overriding layer of silk, creating an extraordinary 3D effect with a unique look and antique appearance. The harmonious blend of these materials combined with the vivid blues, subtle greens and rich reds is what gives the Polonaise rug its distinctive colour palette.
More Journal Posts
Shows
Knots Rugs at Decorex 2025 Artist Collaborations & Craft
Each autumn, Decorex gathers the design world in London. This year Knots Rugs returns with new artist collaborations and the quiet power of handmade design — a celebration of texture, craft and the beauty of what lasts.
Collections
Luxury Designer Rugs for Every Interior Style
A well-chosen rug is more than just a decoration; it embodies the essence of a space. It anchors the furniture, softens the space, and adds texture, warmth, and identity. A luxury rug can elevate the atmosphere and bring your timeless, classic interiors or bold, contemporary modern art together.
Origins
Visionary Women shifting the Pattern
Behind every Knots rugs lies a story of artistry, tradition and collaboration. But woven even deeper into the fabric of our work is the story of women – visionary, resilient and driven by a desire to create something meaningful. This journal is a celebration of two such women: Bonnie, the founder of Knots Rugs, London and Dolma, one of our most trusted and long-standing production partners based in Nepal. Though worlds apart their lives and work are beautifully linked by a shared passion for rugs, deep respect for craftsmanship, supporting communities and a commitment to empowering women together.