Antique French Aubusson Round Rug BB0135 13'8" × 13'8" $70,000

This exceptional 19th-century French Aubusson round rug epitomizes the elegance and refinement of European courtly design during the Second Empire period. Woven in France circa 1870, the rug showcases the hallmark sophistication of the Aubusson weaving tradition, renowned for its elaborate florals, classical ornamentation, and pastel color palettes.

The rug features a grand central medallion encircled by an ornate cartouche-like motif, evocative of neoclassical ceiling frescoes or architectural domes. Radiating outward, sweeping arabesques, garlands of roses, and lush floral arrangements—including roses, peonies, and foliage—create a harmonious, flowing design that celebrates symmetry and grace.

The palette is a masterclass in subtlety, with soft tones of beige, blush, celadon, and faded rose highlighted by restrained accents of lavender, ochre, and antique gold. These colors evoke a sense of age and patina, yet retain the vibrancy that speaks to the quality of the original dyes and craftsmanship.

The wide border is richly decorated with acanthus leaves, fluted cartouches, and classical motifs, all rendered with impeccable detail and shading that lend a three-dimensional quality to the design. Each element appears carefully integrated, demonstrating the high artistic standards of the Aubusson workshops of the period.

Handwoven using the flatweave tapestry technique, this piece is not only a decorative rug but a work of art, once likely intended for an aristocratic interior or royal salon. Its circular form adds rarity and makes it especially suitable as a centerpiece in a rotunda, under a grand chandelier, or in a formal drawing room.

Showcasing the finest materials and patterns, this design is part of the expansive Doris Leslie Blau collection, renowned for its rare and unique finds across a wide range of prices.