French Deco Rug Attributed To Elisabeth De Saedeleer BB8841 9'7" × 13'5" $40,000

This rare 1930s French Art Deco carpet—attributed to Elisabeth de Saedeleer—measures approximately 14 by 10 feet and exemplifies the movement’s synthesis of modern abstraction and refined craftsmanship. Its field is a warm dove-gray wool with a subtly variegated, “water-marked” appearance, achieved through fine abrash in the hand-spun fibers. Across this serene ground float a spare arrangement of linear and calligraphic motifs in three contrasting hues: deep charcoal brown straight lines—one horizontal band spanning the full width, and two shorter vertical strokes—define a rigid geometric framework, creamy ivory pin-lines trace two full-height verticals and echo the horizontal axis, their crisp clarity sharpening the composition and black-brown squiggles—short, undulating strokes—interrupt both the horizontal and verticals at asymmetrical points, lending a playful, almost musical rhythm. The overall effect is one of poised tension between strict orthogonal structure and spontaneous gestural marks—hallmarks of the 1920s–’30s French Deco avant-garde. The pure wool pile is clipped low for a smooth, matte finish that emphasizes the precision of each line. A discreet maker’s seal in the upper left corner—a small square monogram—confirms its atelier provenance.

This Elisabeth de Saedeleer–attributed rug brings a gallery-worthy focal point to any interior, its abstract vocabulary perfectly suited to minimalist, modernist, or industrial-chic settings seeking a touch of historical Deco elegance.

Elisabeth De Saedeleer (1902–1972) was a Belgian textile artist born in Sint-Martens-Latem. During World War I, her family sought refuge in Wales, where she learned traditional tapestry weaving from May Morris, daughter of William Morris. Returning to Belgium in 1921, she co-founded the “Société de Tapis d’Art De Saedeleer et Cie” in Etikhove, later relocating to Brussels. Her workshop, situated in the Art Deco Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, gained acclaim in the 1920s and 1930s for vibrant tapestries based on designs by artists like Marc Chagall and Ossip Zadkine.

As part of Doris Leslie Blau’s curated collection, this rug reflects the brand’s commitment to offering a wide range of high-quality pieces to suit various tastes and budgets. Whether you’re an avid collector or seeking a statement piece for your home, this carpet embodies timeless elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship.