Antique Aubusson French Medallion Floral Soft Beige Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1800 BB6784 17'0" × 17'0" $220,000

This exceptional oversized French Aubusson rug, dating back to the early 19th century, is a masterwork of neoclassical design and exquisite craftsmanship. Woven circa 1800, it reflects the grace and sophistication of French decorative arts during the Napoleonic era, when tapestries and carpets were prized for their elegance and symbolism.

The expansive field is dominated by a radiant rosette medallion at the center, encased within an elaborate cartouche adorned with acanthus scrolls and garlands. Stylized laurel wreaths, crossed quivers, ribbon-tied floral swags, and classical trophies—hallmarks of the Louis XVI aesthetic—create an atmosphere of stately refinement. The field is enclosed by a wide floral border featuring delicate vines and pastel-hued blossoms rendered in painterly fashion.

The color palette, composed of soft corals, dusty rose, muted teal, cream, parchment, and golden honey, evokes a sense of faded grandeur. Woven with extraordinary finesse in wool on a cotton foundation, the rug’s flat-weave structure (characteristic of Aubusson tapestries) gives it a fabric-like drape, ideal for decorative wall hangings or refined interiors.

Subtle age-related patina and wear are visible throughout, contributing to its authentic antique character. Repairs and conservation are apparent in close detail, reaffirming its legacy and preservation.

A rare piece from the Doris Leslie Blau Collection, this rug exemplifies superior artistry and tradition. Doris Leslie Blau offers a broad and varied pricing spectrum, accommodating collectors and designers across a range of budgets—from modest vintage finds to rare, museum-worthy masterpieces.