Aubusson French Antique Allover Floral Warm Tan Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1700 Gobelin Tapestry BB1212 11'8" × 13'5" $270,000

This magnificent 18th-century French Gobelins tapestry rug exemplifies the height of Louis XIV-era craftsmanship and the grandeur associated with the legendary Gobelins manufactory. Woven in the early 1700s, it showcases the richly ornate Rococo aesthetic, imbued with botanical abundance, architectural flourishes, and lively avian details that reflect the refined tastes of French aristocracy.

The composition is framed by a beautifully rendered border of stylized floral medallions in soft hues of celadon, ivory, ochre, and dusty rose. Within, a masterfully symmetrical design unfolds across a deep, nearly black indigo field. Lavishly curling acanthus leaves in pale blue, cream, and crimson form architectural volutes, enclosing a central scrolling cartouche with dramatic tulip and palmette flourishes.

To the right of the composition, an exuberant floral cascade of meticulously detailed roses, lilies, and carnations tumbles in rhythmic harmony. Interspersed among the flowers are delicate birds in flight, animated with red and white plumage—lending motion and grace to the stately structure of the rug.

Rendered in a palette of jewel-toned blues, warm terracottas, forest greens, and soft neutrals, the tapestry is not only a triumph of color harmony but also of technical artistry. The wool and silk weave preserves depth and textural variation, giving a painterly softness to every bloom and flourish.

This tapestry rug is an exceptional example of French weaving heritage—more than a decorative floor covering, it is a piece of cultural history. With its commanding presence and extraordinary condition for its age, this piece would elevate any traditional or neoclassical interior with a rare sense of old-world splendor.

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.