French Aubussons

Aubusson carpets are typically woven in weft-faced plain weave, the weft completely cover the warps and carry the design. Production of these elaborate floor-carpets began under Louis XV.

These particular carpets were woven in France during the reign of Louis-Philippe (1830-1848). The skill of the weavers of Aubusson is evident in these examples. They both have an excellent balance of colors and design.

Carpets woven in France at the time expressed mood of the country and the need for very elaborate floor coverings and decoration. These carpets perfectly express this period.

The carpet industry at Aubusson was under royal protection and in the early years subsidized by the French government. Although, unlike at Savonnerie, weaving had never been done in a single workshop but in many private ateliers, operated by independent entrepreneurs, each of who hired a number of weavers.

As the industry was operated in this fashion mass production was out of the question and as such individual attention to detail remained consistent through the years. Carpets of this type and design were only woven at Aubusson. Therefore, as production was limited, relatively few examples remain in good condition.