Antiques M.S. Rau | Aubusson Parlor Set

This Gracious Louis Xv-Style Parlor Set Is Richly Upholstered In The Most Exceptional Hand-Woven Aubusson Tapestries. The Best Examples Are Considered To Be Those With Figural Motifs, And This Particular Suite Is Distinguished By Pastoral Scenes Of Both People And Animals, The Most Rare And Desirable Of All. Aubusson Tapestries Have Been Recognized For Their Superb Quality For Centuries, And Are Increasingly Difficult To Find In Such Pristine Condition. A Fine Walnut Suite Such As This, Comprised Of A Sofa And Four Armchairs, Was Extremely Labor Intensive To Create, Therefore Available Only To The Wealthiest Households. Today, It Is Extremely Rare To Find A Large Suite Retaining Such High Levels Of Quality, Condition And Elegance. Combining The Talents Of Both The Ébéniste And Tapestry Weaver With Exceptional Style And Sophistication, This Set Is A Superior Find.

The Aubusson Region Was The Leading Manufacturer Of Fine Tapestries Since Their Emergence In The 14Th Century, With An Impressive Repertoire That Made Them The First Choice Among 18Th-Century French Nobility. Because They Favored A Certain Degree Of Harmony In Their Décor, A Room Whose Walls Were Hung With Classically-Inspired Tapestries Would Naturally Be Paired With Furnishings Bearing Similar Woven Motifs. The Late 19Th Century Witnessed A Great Revival Of These Early Aubusson Furnishings Amongst The Elite. This Suite Is A Particularly Fine Example Of The Louis Xv Style, Exhibiting The Highest Quality Craftsmanship In All Respects.

Circa 1870

Sofa: 76” Wide X 32” Deep X 48” High
Armchairs: 29” Wide X 27” Deep X 41” High