Savonnerie Carpets & Rugs

Savonnerie carpets are undoubtedly the most prestigious of all European knotted pile carpets.

Savonnerie carpets take their name from the first manufactory which was established in 1615 by Pierre DuPont, in a former soap factory on the Quai de Chaillot downstream of Paris. ‘Savon’ is the French word for soap and ‘Savonnerie’ translates to ‘soap factory’.

Famed for production of hand knotted carpets by royal appointment, Savonnerie carpets remained the exclusive property of the Crown until 1768. They were considered amongst the grandest of French diplomatic gifts, gracing the most lavish of palaces across 17th and 18th Century Europe.

Traditionally made from wool, Savonnerie carpets were hand knotted using the Ghiordes knot. Woven with about 90 knots per square inch, the Ghiordes knot, also known as the Turkish knot, is oldest known knot used in carpet production
Characteristic of Turkish rugs, this ancient weaving technique created a more durable structure than the tapestries created by European weavers at the time, which enabled them to be walked on. These methods used to create the original Savonnerie carpets have remained unchanged throughout the centuries.

The popularity of Savonnerie carpets thrived under the rule of Louise XIV who commissioned Savonnerie carpets to cover the entire floor of the Grande Galerie of the Palais du Louvre. Drawn by Charles Le Brun, the king’s First Painter, the designs were characterized by an exuberance of flowers in baskets, vases, cornucopias and bouquets which symbolised abundance and the monarchy’s wealth.

Fitting with the typical French style of the Palais du Louve and Versailles, floral motifs, acanthus leaves, elaborate scrollwork and decorative borders have become synonymous with Savonnerie carpet design, often framing ornate central medallions.

The original Savonnerie carpets were often very bold and rich in colour, but have softened and toned down over decades of use.

Austerity following the wars in the latter part of Louis XIV's reign led to a decline in the production of Savonnerie carpets, but was later revived by Napoleon who commissioned neoclassical and empire style rugs.

However their independent existence finally came to an end in 1826, when Savonnerie was merged with the Gobelins tapestry manufactory and production was moved to their workshops, near Paris. The Gobelin tapestry factory is still operating today producing a limited number of tapestries for the decoration of French governmental institutions.

At Loomah, we have many Savonnerie style rug designs in our portfolio inspired by the traditional Savonnerie carpets of 17th Century Europe.

A beautifully crafted Savonnerie carpet never goes out of style and can be surprisingly versatile in all types of interiors. Whether you are looking to re-create a traditional Savonnerie carpet or design a more modern interpretation, our in-house design team can work with you to create the perfect Savonnerie style rug to harmonise with your interior.