Authentic 19th Century Savonnerie Handmade Wool Rug BB6679 11'9" × 16'2" $90,000

A late 19th century antique Savonnerie European carpets, the abrashed cinnamon and red field with pale green vinery overall around staggered golden-vinery formed roundels containing floral sprays within a solid cinnamon border.

The French Savonnerie rugs factory, located on the site of the present Musee d’Art Moderne, inherited its name from the soap making factory it took over at the behest of Louis XIII. From 1660 until 1743 Savonnerie was a manufacture royale, carrying out commissions for French Savonnerie rugs and antique carpets specifically designed for the Royal Palaces. In the 1770’s, the tapestry looms at Aubusson in the Creuze Valley near Limoges were converted to produce flat-woven beautiful rugs and carpets under royal warrant. No one knows precisely when European rugs weaving began in this area, but it is certain that tapestries were first woven there long before the Gothic era.