Antique Aubusson Rug, nineteenth century - While most antique Aubussons rely on designs with molded frames and garlands and an ivory palette derived from architectural decor, this one displays an exceptional pattern of large flowers, leaves and stems rendered in striking naturalistic detail. These appear to float gracefully across the dark ground, and at first glance the design seems to have no order. But the symmetry is subtle. In reality the same forms repeat regularly in a staggered arrangement rendered in striking naturalistic detail.
