Oriental Rugs Dictionary
Savonnerie
Savonnerie carpets are French rugs produced at the Savonnerie manufactory in Paris, beginning in the 17th century. These carpets were made for royal palaces and aristocratic interiors and are known for their elaborate floral designs, soft color palettes, and high-quality craftsmanship. Savonnerie carpets represent the highest level of French carpet production. In 1604, thanks to Marie de Medici, the wife of Henri IV, Pierre Dupont established his tapestry workshop in the galleries of the Louvre. In 1626, financial constraints forced him to go into partnership with his former apprentice Simon Lourdet. For various economic reasons, Lourdet set up shop in the premises of the Savonnerie (a former soap factory purchased by Louis XIII), while Pierre Dupont remained at the Louvre. Since then Savonnerie was commissioned to produce carpets of highest quality for the royal palaces and the high society of France. Even though similar carpet designs were made in Spain and Austria the industry refers to these as Austrian and Spanish Savonnerie.
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