Large Continental Savonnerie Carpet

Savonnerie pieces are undoubtedly the most prestigious of all European knotted pile carpets; the Savonnerie manufactory was first established in 1615, by Pierre DuPont, in part in response to a desire among the aristocracy to reinvigorate the French decorative arts. 

Until 1768, Savonnerie carpets remained the exclusive property of the French royalty and served as some of the nation’s most high-value diplomatic gifts, gracing the palaces of the nobility all across Europe. The Savonnerie fashion enjoyed particular favour during the reign of Napoleon as a staple of Empire-style design, popular internationally among those seeking to emulate the tastes of the French upper classes, and began to be produced by workshops outside of France. 

Waddesdon Manor, a Victorian mansion well-known for its vast collection of French artworks, possesses nineteen of these Savonnerie carpets. This vintage example features a restrained, two-tone palette in the field, with a stamped fleur-de-lis motif inspired by the 18th Century Neoclassical carpets of designers like Robert Adams, in soft coral and sage green tones over an ivory ground, framed by decorative cornflower blue border an open, all-over composition, which lends the work a feeling of space and balance. 

In very good condition to excellent condition, with good pile throughout and borders conserved on all sides. An understated example of a truly impressive size and rare colour palette – a design classic, with the versatility to compliment a wide variety of interiors.