India has always been famous for its rich art, handlooms and handicrafts. And this jewel-studded carpet from Baroda highlights that rich Indian heritage. The carpet made entirely of jewels is the highlight of Sotheby’s first-ever auctions in Doha, Qatar, which kicks off on March 18. The jeweled rug features intricate embroidery in precious stones including pearls, diamonds, rubies and emeralds, and could fetch as much as $20 million starting at $5 million, according to Sotheby’s Henry Howard-Sneyd, the house’s deputy chairman for Europe and Asia and international director of new markets.

“Crafted in the 1860s as a gift for the tomb of the Prophet Mohammad in Medina, Saudi Arabia, the carpet was created under the auspices of Gaekwar Kande Rao, the maharajah of Baroda, a former kingdom in northwest India that is now part of Gujarat state. It took five years of labor by hundreds of craftsmen. Some 2 million seed pearls and colored glass beads and gems set in a gold foil background make up the swirling rosette design.”

Via: Forbes/Rug Rag

Jeweled Rug Picture Gallery