Savonnerie Antique Floral Brown Hand-Knotted Wool Runner – Circa 1800 BB9188 5'7" × 14'3" $20,000

This antique French Savonnerie runner, woven circa 1800 in the French Savonnerie tradition, brings hand-knotted wool court weaving into an elegant elongated format. The piece reflects the formal Parisian taste prized for refined floor coverings with a distinctly decorative, textile-like presence.

Against a deep brown field, flowering branches drift upward in an asymmetrical vertical rhythm, creating an allover botanical composition rather than a central medallion. Dusty pink blossoms, ivory highlights, sage green leaves, and soft blue accents give the design a painterly character, while pink ribbon motifs add a graceful note of movement at either side.

The result is romantic yet composed: richly ornamented, but never heavy. A slim tan border frames the composition with restraint, allowing the dark ground to intensify the floral colors. In a hallway, gallery, or transitional interior, this antique runner lends warmth, rhythm, and the quiet sophistication associated with Savonnerie carpets.

Part of Doris Leslie Blau's grand collection, this antique rug embodies the rich heritage and refined craftsmanship that define the world's most exceptional carpets. Established in 1965, Doris Leslie Blau has earned an international reputation for curating rare and important rugs spanning centuries of design history.