79199 Late 19th Century Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Cushion, 01'09 x 01'06 x 00'06.
Woven with whispers of bygone grandeur, this handwoven wool French Aubusson tapestry cushion from the Late 19th Century captures the lyrical heart of a pastoral fable, rendered in threads of gentle nostalgia and refined artistry. At its center, a fox gazes longingly upward toward a pair of birds perched delicately on a tree branch, evoking the timeless tale of La Fontaine’s The Fox and the Crow—a moral parable spun into the language of tapestry. The scene is framed by a lush wreath of scrolling acanthus leaves and voluptuous blossoms—roses, peonies, and wildflowers—blooming in softened tones of pink, ochre, and antique gold.
Each carefully handwoven detail reveals the elegant precision of the Aubusson weaver’s loom, where every knot and weft captures a painterly sensitivity to light, form, and emotion. The background shimmers with subtle gradations of mossy green and parchment beige, conjuring the feel of a sun-dappled glade, while the figures themselves seem to pause in narrative stillness—caught in a moment of wit, desire, and the age-old dance of cunning and vanity. The Aubusson pillow becomes a miniature stage for moral reflection, set within the poetic landscape of 19th-century French salon decor.
Beneath the pastoral charm lies the hallmark of the Aubusson tradition: a low-warp tapestry technique prized for its fine execution and seamless color transitions. This cushion, originally born of a larger wall tapestry fragment, has been lovingly preserved and reimagined with a sumptuous velvet backing—ensuring the legacy of the weaver’s hand continues to offer comfort and delight. The delicately frayed edges and mellowed palette speak not of wear, but of history—an aged beauty that softens with time, like a well-loved verse recited over generations.
More than a decorative object, this antique Aubusson pillow is a textile reverie—an emblem of refinement, storytelling, and the enduring romance of French decorative arts. It invites one to lean close and listen to the threads, where fable meets florals, and nature’s theater is forever suspended in silky soft wool. In this small woven relic, the spirit of 19th-century France endures, gentle and wise, as timeless as the tale it tells.
- Distressed. Age Wear.
- Abrash.
- Handwoven wool. Velvet backing.
- Made in France.
- Measures: 01'09 x 01'06.
- Height: 00'06.
- Date: 1880's. Late 19th Century.
