A Brief History of European Carpets
Between the 8th and 11th centuries, following the Crusades, the Moors of Spain
introduced the fine art of rug making to the Europeans. Although
Oriental rug designs significantly influenced early European rugs,
various regions in Europe began developing individualized techniques and
styles over time. For example, 17th century France saw Aubusson and
Savonnerie factories creating some of the most desired, exceptionally
woven rugs purchased exclusively by the wealthy and the regal.
Antique French Aubusson Rugs & Savonnerie Carpets
From about 1650 to 1740, rug makers in Savonnerie (Marseille), France
worked day and night to make rugs specifically for the Royal Palaces.
In England, the city of Axminster in the 18th century produced
top-quality rugs that segued into the popular arts and crafts style of
the late 1800s. Most weavers fleeing to France during the Spanish
Inquisition were members of a Protestant denomination calling themselves
Huguenots. Henry IV issued the edict of Nantes granting all
non-Catholic people the freedom to worship as they pleased. This edict
protected carpet and rug weavers in Aubusson from persecution and
possible death by guillotine. As a result of the edict, Aubusson rug
weavers developed into some of the most talented in the world. Antique
Aubusson and Savonnerie rugs are considered among the most superb
examples of rug-making in Europe. Included in our European antique rugs
for sale are magnificently woven, stunningly gorgeous Aubusson rugs that
would transform any environment from commonplace to radiantly rich and
sophisticated.
Experience Bespoke Elegance with European Renaissance Rugs
Exemplified by a classical art revival encompassing literature and
architecture, the English Renaissance (1300-1500) saw the emergence of
Aubusson and Savonnerie rugs that became extremely popular in royal
palaces and aristocratic mansions throughout Europe. Similarities
between Savonnerie and Aubusson rugs include being originally
hand-woven, copying Rococo and Baroque coloring and floral styles seen
in the 17th and 18th centuries and heavily influencing Spanish rug
weavers during the 18th and 19th centuries. Unique differences
separating Aubusson and Savonnerie rug styles involve the fact that
Savonnerie rugs were exclusively woven for palaces by special order,
mostly decorated elegant ceilings of rooms for which they were specially
made and decorated with coats of arms, heraldic devices and
naturalistic floral motifs. Alternately, Aubusson rugs originally copied
Turkish styles of rug-making, emerged primarily in the middle 1600s and
incorporated lovely floral medallions surrounded by naturalistic floral
motifs.
Romanian Kilim Rugs & Carpets
Vintage Romanian rugs reflect three different styles evolving in
Transylvania, Oltenian and Moldavia. Romanian antique rugs are primarily
based on kilims originally used to decorate walls or as blankets. Rugs
woven by Moldavian weavers usually incorporate the tree of life symbol
using muted hues. Oltenian rugs have green or black backgrounds overlaid
with scenes and figures similar to those of Persian miniatures.
Finally, Transylvanian vintage rugs are heavily influenced by Oriental
rug designs, bursting with lovely landscapes depicting animals, birds
and stylized blooms.
Bessarabian Kilims & Russian Rugs
These flat-woven rugs originated in Ukraine, Moldova and Russian
provinces during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Some rug experts
suggest knotted-woven rugs were made in the Ukraine while only
flat-woven rugs are truly Bessarabian.
Portuguese Arraiolos & Antique Spanish Rugs
Our clients are always thrilled to find antique Spanish rugs and Portuguese
Arraiolos rugs included in our antique European carpet collection.
Soft colors dominated by rose reds, natural yellows and soothing ivories
highlight vintage and modern Spanish rugs, which are perfect as
complements for all architectures — from opulent homes and dignified
museums to high-end business buildings.
European Tapestries & Antique Wall Hangings from Europe
Members of the aristocracy in the 1500s commissioned Belgian tapestry
weavers to create wall coverings depicting hunting scenes and verdant
landscapes. Later, Flemish tapestry makers moved to Britain, Italy and
France when they were uprooted by wars between Spain and France, where
they adopted intricately detailed art works into their tapestries.
Ready to find one of the best European rugs for your bedroom, living
room, dining room, or home office? Browse a variety of stylish European
floor coverings in all sizes, colors, and styles! Purchase European rugs
online today by viewing our distinguished collection of French Aubusson
carpets and vintage Romanian kilim rugs. Call us to learn more about
the fabulous world of lush, elegant European carpeting: (214) 651-7847.
We also offer professional rug cleaning, rug appraisal and rug
consignment services at affordable prices.
