Gilded Age: A New Collection of Designer Rugs by Peter D’Ascoli

• 19 February 2025
• 4 Min Read
• By Jaipur Rugs

A New York-based Designer with an insatiable curiosity, Peter D’Ascoli explores the world of decorative arts with an in-depth research for over four decades to bring a bespoke collection of handcrafted rugs, Gilded Age. The handcrafted rugs in collaboration with the excellence of the Jaipur Rugs artisans brings to attention his mastery as a textile designer.

A New York- based designer, Peter D’Ascoli brings his extensive research and knowledge as an avid and extensive traveller across four decades to research decorative arts. Starting his design journey in the prestigious and infamous Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan to study textile design, Peter’s education laid the sturdy foundation to his experiences ahead and the love for the craft. An opportunity chanced upon him where he got to work with the Indian government that ignited his enduring passion for the art and culture of India, leading him to pursue his passion while researching the significant designs influenced by culture.

Gilded Age Collection- A Confluence of Artistry Rooted in Diverse Cultures

Evoking a sense of nostalgia with iconic archetypes of every culture, Peter D’Ascoli combines the beauty of designs sourced in the 19th century, filtered through the vision of the 20th century and designed for the 21st century. Garnering influence from tastemakers like Madeleine Castaing and Emilio Terry, D’Ascoli in his collection of hand-knotted rugs brings classic chintz florals scaled large and small mix with wild cat patterns, paisleys, and neoclassical motifs reminiscent of Hollywood Regency and the prewar Paris flea market. In awe of the Paris-based designer, collector and decorator, Madeleine Castaing, who greatly influenced Peter D’Ascoli’s vision as a designer and decorator, the latter pays homage to her through his collection of designer rugs in Gilded Age.

Taking you through a journey of diverse cultures, the Gilded Age collection is a collaboration of artistry and vision between Peter D’Ascoli and the artisans of Jaipur Rugs. The collection is a journey of seven sub-parts where the designs are an ode to a particular person’s style, culture or an influence of an era. 

An Admiration of Heritage, Cultural Diversity, and the Love for Craft

The Gilded Age Collection houses a total of thirty-two rugs where each mini collection takes its own credit of cultural influence. Starting with Belle Epoque, which houses five rugs, brings to your home interiors the beauty of chintz floral designs popular in Europe in the late 19th century. Giving this classic design a contemporary twist, is the large tonal silhouette as seen in all the rugs. 

Immensely influenced by the exuberant floral patterns in the era of Emperor Napoleon III of France, Eugenie is named after the former’s wife. The collection houses four rugs and the complexity of the design is amplified by the sculpted effect of the carved pile known as the concept of “Gultarash” which refers to finding the flower. This technique is done to define the design and details of the carpet, bringing to your senses a tactile play of textures.

Showcasing five rugs under the umbrella of Malmaison, named after the stylish home Empire style of Napoleon I, Josephine. The collection is reminiscent of quintessential neoclassical designs where garlands and stylized Greek motifs are framed by leopard skin patterns. Adding to the dynamic patterns are the bright hues that bring alive the motifs and patterns.

Next in line is the sub-collection Marcellin which also houses five rugs. The collection is an ode to Madeleine Castaing, a highly regarded French decorator and interior designer. The beautiful rugs inspired by her style showcase her love for three hues: bright red, sky-blue and the green of gardens. The rugs portray small stylized paisley motifs set in a decorative trellis framed by a classic ornamental geometric border rendered in the strong, clear colors favored by the Grande Dame of French style.

Known for their fine artistry and impeccable craftsmanship, the four rugs under the Kashmir  sub-collection bring the beauty of paisley patterns which gained their popularity in the 18th Century and have been an important part of the European decorating tradition ever since the frenzy for Kashmiri shawls experienced towards the end of the century. The beauty of the all-over paisley pattern hand-woven delicately in bright jewel-like tones is a detail appreciated by the keen eyes.

Culminating the series in the collection are the Ocelot and Leopard sub-collections inspired by the fancy of animal furs since ancient times which have been used for warmth and decoration while becoming a staple in the worlds of fashion and interior decoration. Our Ocelot and Leopard rugs mimic the same visual appeal and texture offering a more sustainable, handcrafted rendition of wildcat patterns that act as a neutral texture ready to anchor a room’s décor with a contemporary twist and an old-world charm.

In Conclusion

Designer Peter D’Ascoli is a master of the craft with the passion for heritage and culture as reflected in his rug collection, Gilded Age. His commitment to handcrafted excellence and sustainability has garnered high-profile collaborations, including with Cabana Magazine in Milan, AERIN in New York, Shiv Niwas Palace in Udaipur, and the City Palace in Jaipur, attracting a sophisticated following among the world’s most discerning fashion and interior connoisseurs. 

Peter fondly states that he had long dreamt of collaborating with Jaipur Rugs to merge craft, style and social enterprise, and in this collaboration the designer finds the ideal partner in the latter for luxury floorcoverings.

Jaipur Rugs

Established in 1978 under the guidance of NK Chaudhary, Jaipur Rugs stands as a beacon for preserving India's rich heritage of traditional rug-making on a global scale. Through strategic collaborations with esteemed international designers and skilled artisans, we curate a collection of award-winning luxury rugs that seamlessly blend timeless elegance with contemporary aesthetics. This unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and customization has firmly established Jaipur Rugs as a leader in the rug manufacturing industry.