Aubusson rug design

Very early Aubusson designs were undoubtedly all-over pat­terns of small stiff flowers, like the famous millefleur tapestries. Because rugs were perishable, we can judge the older periods only from the wall hangings that have survived.

During the reign of the "Sun King," Louis XIV, the grandeur of his court was reflected in all furnishing design. Great acanthus scrolls, rosettes, horns of plenty, shell motifs, the sunburst which was Louis' emblem, all appear in the carpet designs.

The Louis XV era brought less massive forms, more grace and flow in the pattern. With Louis XVI, a classical restraint came into fashion. Deli­cacy was the keynote.

Ribands, garlands, urns of flowers, all-over lattice work, dainty rosettes and musical instruments charac­terize the rugs of this period.