Unlike most oriental rugs that are woven for everyday use by the weavers themselves or for sale in local or foreign markets, European rugs have been mainly custom-made and designed by famous designers of the time. European rug styles are unique in that they have mirrored the arts of different European periods such as paintings and architecture. It could be said that the most important styles in the history of European rugs include the Savonnerie and Aubussan French styles of the 17th and 18th century.
Aubussan rugs were first made in Aubussan, France in about 1665. The initial designs were Turkish copies; however, later designs were simpler versions of the Savonnerie designs, which consisted of floral medallions with naturalistic floral and some architectural motifs in the field.
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