An exceptional antique French Savonnerie hand-knotted area rug from the late 19th century, crafted in the royal weaving tradition that was established in Paris in the 17th century for the exclusive use of the French crown. This distinguished piece features a classic floral motif of great richness and formal elegance, set against a luxurious chocolate brown field that provides a deep, sumptuous foundation for the intricately rendered accents in red, pink, blue, and ivory.
This rug is one half of a rare matched pair — SKU 1736 is identical in design and color — offering the exceptional opportunity to acquire a coordinated pair of antique French Savonnerie rugs for a symmetrical interior arrangement. Matched pairs of antique Savonnerie rugs are among the most sought-after acquisitions in the European decorative arts market. The Savonnerie tradition — named for the former soap factory on the Quai de Chaillot in Paris that was converted into a royal carpet manufactory in the 17th century — represents the absolute pinnacle of French pile carpet weaving. Originally created exclusively for the French crown and aristocracy, Savonnerie carpets are distinguished by their rich, deep-pile construction, their bold floral and baroque designs, and the extraordinary quality of their hand-knotted wool.
