Unique Circular French Art Deco Rug by Paul Follot – A Celestial Masterpiece of Decorative Arts BB6783 12'7" × 12'7" $95,000

Crafted in 1925 by the renowned French designer Paul Follot, this extraordinary circular Art Deco rug is an iconic fusion of early 20th-century elegance and cosmic imagination. Commissioned specifically for the “Salon de Musique” of a Parisian interior—also designed by Follot himself—this rug represents a rare and historically significant example of Art Deco luxury and bespoke decorative arts.

At the heart of this remarkable carpet is a mesmerizing deep midnight blue central field, teeming with scattered stars in delicate hues of ivory, rose, and peach. These celestial motifs evoke the grandeur of a starlit sky and subtly guide the eye toward the rug’s thematic brilliance—its zodiacal border.

Encircling the central field is a wide chocolate-brown band, adorned with a full array of astrological signs, each meticulously rendered in soft coral and rose tones. From Scorpio’s coiled precision to Libra’s poised balance and Leo’s regal mane, each zodiac figure is depicted with striking individuality and stylistic flair. The artistry speaks to Follot’s deep understanding of myth, symbolism, and form.

Radiant starburst motifs punctuate the border, spaced between zodiac signs, further enhancing the celestial narrative while providing rhythm and continuity. A serpentine scalloped edge—in a gentle tone of grey-blue—frames the inner circle, lending a dreamlike transition from night sky to symbolic realm.

The palette of this rug is at once bold and harmonious. The interplay of inky blue, rich chestnut brown, soft peach, dusky rose, and icy grey-blue creates a refined yet dramatic visual effect. The wool is luxuriously soft and thick, with a velvety pile that enhances the richness of color and the sense of dimension across the motifs.

Woven in France at the height of the Art Deco movement, this rug exemplifies the exceptional craftsmanship and design innovation for which Follot is celebrated. As a leading figure in the French decorative arts scene, Follot was a master of combining traditional elegance with modernist stylization, and this rug is a testament to his visionary aesthetic.

This rug is not just a decorative object but a piece of design history. Its origin in a custom interior designed by Paul Follot imbues it with a level of rarity and pedigree few rugs can claim. It stands as an exemplary representation of the golden age of French Art Deco, merging artistry with astrological mystique and the fine traditions of French textile design.

A rare piece from the Doris Leslie Blau Collection, this rug exemplifies superior artistry and tradition. Doris Leslie Blau offers a broad and varied pricing spectrum, accommodating collectors and designers across a range of budgets—from modest vintage finds to rare, museum-worthy masterpieces.