Savonnerie

(No. 7049)

11 ft x 17 ft  (335 x 518 cm)

19th century

Pierre Dupont claimed to have perfected the process for producing hand tufted carpets in 1604 and presented an essay on the subject to the King, Henry IV.  Subsequently, a discarded soap factory outside of Paris was turned over for use in making carpets “in the Turkish manner.”  The factory remained a source of carpets for royalty for two centuries.  In the 19th century, these so-called Savonnerie carpets were produced for non-royalty as well, and carpets based on the designs were manufactured by other European makers, most notably in Spain and Austria.

Although the design element of this carpet are very French, the carpet’s weave points us towards an Austrian origin.  The twirling ribbons, floral swags, and bouquets of roses give this rug an elegance that is at home in any environment.

Colors:  Taupe, tobacco leaf, rosy red, salmon red, moss green, light lavender blue