Antique Savonnerie French Rug 43724

Antique Savonnerie, France, late nineteenth century   Half-circles and spheres in a larger cruciform arrangement comprise the octagonal field of this striking antique French Savonnerie. The ornamental detail is spare and reserved. The half-circles contain only laurel wreaths and simple vine compositions of classical, Greco-Roman derivation. The central sphere has a more elaborate fill of scalloped, fan-like patterns around a central array of fine garlands so pale that they are barely discernible. A simple reciprocal scroll border encloses the whole field. The palette of soft tan, mauve, and aubergine outlines is, like the design, the epitome of restraint and elegance. The octagonal form of the carpet is relatively unusual.