Antique Aubusson carpet (France)

Description

Period: 19th century
Dimensions: cm 285 x 233

Ever since the 16th century, the small town of Aubusson, in central France, not far from Limoges, has been an important centre of carpet-making, with a parallel tradition of tapestry-making that dates back further still. This latter tradition lies at the root of the unique work technique that characterises Aubusson carpets, which are flat-woven, like a tapestry, so as to be pileless. Woven individually, the various parts of the decorative pattern are brought together in a neutral or light-coloured field, and feature a rich variety of floral motifs and foliage.
The austere burgundy border outlines a richly decorated cornice, with a beige background, comprising stylised foliage motifs at the four corners, and regularly spaced, delicately coloured garlands of flowers in the middle of each side of the carpet. The central medallion depicts a wicker basket brimming with luxuriant flowers, delimited by arabesques that reprise the border.