Aubusson tapestry

Aubusson tapestry
The Lion in Love (c. 1775–1780), an Aubusson tapestry designed by Jean-Baptiste Oudry, Musée Nissim de Camondo, Paris
TypeTapestry
Production methodWeaving
Production processCraft production
Place of originAubusson, France
Introduced14th century
Aubusson tapestry
CountryFrance
Reference00250
RegionEurope and North America
Inscription history
Inscription2009 (4th session)
ListRepresentative
Detail of Naissance de Marie Aubusson tapestry in the cloister of the Church of St. Trophime, Arles

Aubusson tapestry (French: Tapisserie d'Aubusson) is tapestry manufactured at Aubusson, in the upper valley of the Creuse in central France. The term often covers similar products made in the nearby town of Felletin, whose products are often treated as "Aubusson". The industry probably developed soon after 1300 with looms in family workshops,[1] perhaps already run by the Flemings who were noted in documents from the 16th century.

Aubusson tapestry of the 18th century managed to compete with the royal manufacture of Gobelins tapestry and the privileged position of Beauvais tapestry,[2] although generally regarded as not their equal.

In 2009 "Aubusson tapestry" was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. At that time the industry supported three workshops, and ten or so freelance weavers.[3]

  1. ^ Osborne, 761
  2. ^ R. A. Weigert, French Tapestry 1956: 135–142.
  3. ^ "Aubusson tapestry", UNESCO