Aubusson Parlor Suite

A magnificent five-piece carved walnut parlor suite in the Louis XV-style richly upholstered in exceptional and rare hand-woven Aubusson tapestries. The set includes two armchairs, two side chairs and a canapé each finely carved with Rococo decoration. Long recognized for their superb weaving, Aubusson tapestries are increasingly difficult to find in such pristine condition. A set such as this was incredibly expensive to produce and would have been available to only a few affluent customers. The combination of the artistry of both the ébéniste and the weaver make this quite a remarkable set.

Circa 1870

Canapé: 72" wide x 25" deep x 41 1/2" high
Arm chairs: 26 1/2" wide x 20 1/2" deep x 38" high
Side chairs: 21 1/2" wide x 17" deep x 35 1/2" high


For centuries the town of Aubusson has been famous for the manufacture of high-quality tapestries and carpets. Aubusson weavers worked independently until 1743 when workshops were established to manufacture their carpets and tapestries primarily for the nobility and royal residences. In 1869, Aubusson founded a National School of Decorative Arts in order to maintain the manufactory's high standards of hand looming, which remains the principal occupation of the town even today. Aubusson tapestries and coverings can be found in museums, castles and churches throughout France as well as most major museums in the United States and Great Britain.

Reflecting the courtly tastes of the period, Aubusson weavers created hand-woven masterpieces to adorn the residences of royalty and nobility alike. The fashionable French elite, mirroring the tastes of their Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, spurred a revival in the most popular styles of the 18th century. This Louis XV-style set is a fine example of Rococo Revival, exhibiting superior craftsmanship in all respects.