19th century French Savonnerie rug

19th century French Savonnerie rug, Design Louis XVI
handwoven wool, Aubusson
Measures: 500 x 400 cm
Perfect condition

The Savonnerie rugs played an important role in the prestigious French furniture’s History. Louis XIII developed the Savonnerie manufactory by positioning the workshops along the banks of the Seine at the foot of the hill of Chaillot, in the buildings of a former soap factory –hence the name “Savonnerie”– that has since made carpet according to the knotted carpet technique. During the 17th century, Colbert reorganized the Savonnerie by placing it, like at the Gobelins, under the artistic direction of Charles Le Brun. Therefore, it has known an extraordinary period of activity during which its production, exclusively reserved for the king, was used for creating diplomatic gifts or furnishing royal residences.