Savonnerie French Antique Allover Ivory Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1860 (Fragment) BB8481 7'10" × 8'10" $8,000

This antique French Savonnerie rug fragment, woven in wool circa 1860, reflects the classical workshop tradition of 19th-century France and the elegant Savonnerie lineage prized by collectors. Its surviving square composition still reads as a formal floor covering, with an ivory foundation animated by a deep forest-green ground. The palette is anchored by ivory and forest green, lifted by saturated red and coral.

At the heart of the design, a dense medallion of rosettes, blossoms, and scrolling foliage unfolds in crimson, rose, coral, ivory, black, and burnt orange. The floral structure is tightly drawn and layered, giving the piece a medallion/crest character that feels both ornate and orderly, while the surrounding motifs keep the eye moving across the field.

The preserved border sections reveal looping garlands, stylized leaves, and rhythmic blossoms that frame the composition with classical symmetry. Its plush hand-knotted wool pile adds softness and relief, while the fragmentary edges and age-softened wear lend a collected character suited to traditional interiors, layered contemporary rooms, or an antique rug collection.

Sourced from Doris Leslie Blau, this antique rug reflects the gallery's longstanding dedication to preserving the finest examples of carpet artistry from around the world. Its remarkable craftsmanship and patina make it both a decorative statement and a collectible work of art.