French Art Deco Pine-Cone Design on Beige Background Handmade Wool Rug BB7146 6'1" × 9'6" $18,000

This unique vintage French European deco rug from 1930 features a leaf and pinecone design in opposing corners against a field of light beige. Clean and modern, it simplifies nature for a bold minimalist statement. European Art Deco owes its name to the first major exhibition of decorative arts to be held after the First World War: L’Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes held in Paris in 1925.

The undeniable elegance of the custom at the event has served as inspiration for interior designers the world over, delivering a dramatic change of style to furnishings in general, and early 20th century Vintage rugs and carpets in particular. Decorative arts of this period, sometimes known as the Machine Age, are characterized by a streamlined appearance – which can be seen in this vintage French Deco antique carpet.

Art Deco is a style of visual arts, architecture and design that first appeared in France just before World War I. The Art Deco movement led to a fast evolution of the rug and textile design, among other art forms. Rug design evolved from traditional floral and highly ornamental to a style of angular elegance with geometric, abstract and modern figurative motifs. The design is frequently spare, geometric, and architectural. The rugs created during this period remain elegant and refined to this day.