Aubusson Rugs

The history of Aubusson rugs dates back to the Renaissance period in the town of Aubusson located on the banks of the River Creuse in the Creuse valley of central France about 200 miles from Paris.  The first looms were likely set up in Aubusson in the 1300s by Flemish refugees, but tapestry and rug production did not begin there until the 16th century.

Aubusson rugs’ history is rich and a significant part of the revival of the arts of the Renaissance period.  They were hand woven flat weave wool rugs and tapestries originally based on Turkish designs.  In 1665 and thereafter, Aubusson rug designs were based on the motifs of Savonnerie rugs.  Prior to this time, Savonnerie rugs were only available to the King, with design and production overseen by the artists and weavers of the royal courts.  With Aubusson rug designs mimicking those of Savonnerie rugs, they became available to anyone who could afford them, typically the upper class and sophisticated aristocracy of Europe.

The long history of Aubusson rugs would come to an end around 1870 when production of these rugs ceased in the town of Aubusson.  However, for more than two hundred years the weavers at Aubusson created beautiful hand woven rugs that were revered throughout Europe.  Today, it is still possible to enjoy these rugs as they continue to be replicated in India, Pakistan, China, and Iran.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 14th, 2009 at 8:34 am and is filed under Rugs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.