Antique French Aubusson Rug – Botanical Garden Motif BB8530 10'8" × 13'2" $80,000

Step into a romantic 19th-century garden with this enchanting French Aubusson rug from the 1880s, masterfully woven in wool and exemplifying the refined elegance of the Aubusson weaving tradition. This rare piece showcases an exuberant botanical latticework design, filled with stylized floral medallions nestled within a harmonious geometric network of lozenges and diamonds.

Each panel bursts with vibrant botanical forms—carnations, tulips, and daisies—rendered in a palette of antique rose, celadon green, coral, ivory, chocolate brown, and dusty turquoise, elegantly outlined in bold black for striking visual contrast. The repetition of lush flower heads and foliate scrolls evokes the romance of French gardens, arranged in an intricate and orderly grid that offers a visual rhythm both soothing and sophisticated.

Aubusson artisans were celebrated for their tapestry-like approach to rug design, and this piece clearly exhibits that legacy with its painterly precision and lush detailing. The rich ochre field and crimson-accented borders, wrapped in meandering floral garlands and rhythmic vines, provide structure without diminishing the ornate energy at its core.

Crafted during France’s decorative arts zenith under the Belle Époque, this rug was likely commissioned for a grand interior—perhaps a salon or music room—where it would have complemented gilt furniture and architectural flourishes. Today, its beautifully aged patina and handwoven charm make it equally suited for both period-inspired and contemporary settings.

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.