Jean Lurcat Rugs and Tapestries
Click to learn more
Sorry, no rugs found. Please try again
Your Cart
Tapestries and Rugs by Jean Lurcat – A Pioneer in Modernist Design
View our entire collection of art rugs and carpets by famous artists
Jean Lurcat Rugs and Tapestries – Jean Lurcat (1892 – 1966) was an artist, innovator and pioneer who revitalized tapestry making in the 20th century. Lurcat was a lifelong artist and an avid traveler. He lived through two world wars and fought alongside distinguished comrades in the French Resistance. Lurcat’s works combine surrealist elements, modernism and classicism. This results in tapestries and vintage area rugs that range from grave and apocalyptic to cheerful and abstract. Colorful pieces like “La Mutua Ayuda” (mutual aid) radiate a warm and cheerful style while L’Apocalypse (the apocalypse) and L’Orage (the storm) have a much more somber aura.
At age 20, Lurcat moved to Paris France from the mountainous Vosges district near Germany. He briefly lived with his brother Andre, who was a successful architect. Lurcat studied at the Academie des Beaux-Arts and became an apprentice to the master engraver Bernard Naudin and the painter Jean-Paul Lafitte. It was in Naudin’s atelier that Lurcat met Cezanne, Matisse and great artists who Lurcat would later exhibit with. During WWI, Lurcat returned from an Italian vacation to fight with the infantry. His stint as a soldier was cut short due to an illness that allowed him to perfect his artistic hand. In 1917, Jean Lurcat designed his first tapestry. These early tapestries were woven by Marthe Hennebert, a lady who Lurcat lived with in Paris. This was the start of a long and successful career. During the 1920s, he traveled throughout Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor. This exotic, international style is apparent in many Lurcat tapestries.
In 1933, Lurcat’s career was transformed when his first Aubusson tapestry was created. At the time, tapestry weaving was at a low point. When Lurcat moved to Aubusson, the industry changed. Before Lurcat, weavers had an unmanageable selection of 14,000 colors. Lurcat switched to a more practical palette of 32 colors. The simplicity of this style transformed Aubusson tapestries. Lurcat’s works were exhibited alongside the greatest 20th century art. He designed cartoons for 1,000 tapestries, including 300 that are displayed in the Jean Lurcat Museum. Lurcat was a revolutionary artist who modernized tapestries and made them part of contemporary decor.
a month ago
Twenty or so years ago my father gave me a beautiful antique Persian rug - after so many years (and kids and pets) it needed some TLC, so I brought it to Nazmiyal. I just picked it up today and - wow! They got the stains out entirely and the entire rug is brighter; they also made some repairs - it's back in my living room and looks fantastic, and the bill was lower than I'd expected. Overall it was a great experience - the people are wonderful, the work was perfect, and I saw so many beautiful rugs at their store that I found myself wishing for a larger apartment. Next time I need any work done on a rug, or find an open bit of floor I know where I'll be heading.
4 years ago
It is always a delight going to the Nazmiyal showroom. This Qashqai is one of several purchases made over the years, and mom is truly enjoying it. Jason and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. They listen to the customeru2019s needs. When I go to the showroom, it is like visiting my family because we have the same appreciation for the textile arts.nnOriental carpets are a rare discipline to be educated in, because you canu2019t go to a university to have certain types of training and experience, such as knowing the cultures and processes of carpet weaving. Jason has such a refined eye that he can distinguish a good rug from a great rug, and that knowledge is offered to the customer to elevate their point of view.nnComing here has been an initiation into a world of culture, art, and beauty which has sustained me, and for that I am grateful.
4 years ago
Loved my runner rug purchase from Nazmiyal. Love the ability to purchase, try and return if it didn't work out! I had it shipped to California and everything worked out beautifully!
a year ago
NAZMIYAL is the best source for antique and vintage rugs and carpets. Staff is extremely knowledgeable, Jason himself is an amazing dealer who handpicks each and every piece in his stunning collection and is happy to educate the consumer, not just make a sale. I always trust his experience and great eye for all my spaces!
4 years ago
I had an absolutely wonderful experience working with Nazmiyal. I was very impressed by their selection, the quality of their beautiful carpets, and their extremely reasonable prices. Really I cannot say enough about how helpful everyone at the gallery was - especially Omri, work with him if you can! - and how happy I am with my new antique rug. Five stars, highly, highly recommended!