Vintage French Art Nouveau Rug With Medallion Design by Rug & Kilim, 1950-1959

Details

Description

Hand-knotted in wool and originating circa 1950-1959, this 4x5 vintage French Art Nouveau rug joins Rug & Kilim’s European collection. … Read more Hand-knotted in wool and originating circa 1950-1959, this 4x5 vintage French Art Nouveau rug joins Rug & Kilim’s European collection. It features a bold geometric medallion in mustard gold and teal green on a rich brick red field.

On the Design:

This vintage French Art Nouveau rug enjoys a particularly expressive composition centered on a striking stylized floral medallion. Angular petals and stepped geometric forms radiate from a diamond-shaped center in shades of teal-blue, ochre, ivory, and deep brown, creating a bold focal point against the rich crimson-red field. The surrounding space carries an array of gracefully drawn, curling motifs and stylized botanical forms, whose rhythmic repetition lends the composition a wonderful sense of movement. The marriage of these flowing elements with the more structured geometry gives the design a distinctive decorative character, reflecting the period's fascination with interpreting natural forms through an increasingly graphic lens.

Keen eyes will further admire the elaborate border, where a lively procession of small four-petaled floral motifs unfolds in alternating shades of crimson, teal-blue, ochre, and muted brown. These charming blossoms sit within a structured band, accompanied by zigzagging and angular details that beautifully echo the central drawing. The richly layered frame creates a compelling contrast with the open red field while bringing remarkable color and movement to the composition. The result is a particularly handsome vintage French rug, enjoying a vibrant interplay of stylized florals, geometric forms, and saturated color in a distinctive Art Nouveau expression. The accompanying book, La Bohème: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and the Montmartre Masters, edited by Otto Letze, with an introduction by Luigi Fassi and text by Tonino Rocca and Claire Leblanc, is part of Volumes by Rug & Kilim. The book (SKU - B435) can be acquired independently through our bookstore.

Condition:

This vintage French rug enjoys good condition for its age and origin. See less