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European
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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. For example, French Aubusson and Savonnerie rugs of the 17th and 18th centuries copied the elegant floral designs and vivid colors of the Baroque and Rococo styles of that period. Many 18th-century European rugs even copied the ceiling designs of the rooms for which they were commissioned.
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The influence of William Morris, Art Nouvea, and Art deco can also be seen in English rugs of these periods, and Donegal designs of Ireland echo geometric designs of the 20th-century abstract art. Some of the significant rug weaving centers of Europe have been Spain, France, England, and Ireland.
Spain
Rug weaving was introduced to Europe through Spain during the control of Muslim Moors who ruled from the 8th through the 13th century. Moors who stayed in Spain after the 13th century wove rugs in two styles: a mixture of Islamic and Christian motifs, and copies of Turkish motifs. For example, some early 15th century rugs had coats of arms (Christian motif) and kufesque borders (Islamic motif). Rugs of Turkish influence, which became more dominant in the 16th and 17th centuries, had large octagonal medallions or were woven in Holbein or Lotto designs. In the 18th and 19th centuries, French Aubusson and Savonneire styles became dominant in Spain. Today Spanish rugs are made in a variety of styles including modern European styles, and Persian and Anatolian styles. The dominant colors used in these contemporary Spanish rugs are light blue, yellow and green.
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France
It could be said that the most important styles in the history of European rugs include the Savonnerie and Aubusson French styles of the 17th and 18th century. Savonnerie rugs were mainly woven for palaces and by special orders. These designs produced under the direction of artists of the royal courts consisted of naturalistic floral motifs, coats of arms and heraldic devices and some architectural motifs. Many rugs echoed the elegant ceilings of the rooms for which they were commissioned. The greatest period for Savonnerie rugs was between 1650 and 1789.
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Aubusson rugs were first made in Aubusson, 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. By the 1870s rug production had stopped in Aubusson. Today, Savonnerie and Aubusson styles are copied in India, Pakistan and China.
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England
The earliest English pile rugs date back to 1570, most of which were Turkish copies. Some early custom-made rugs also included designs of coats of arms and heraldic devices. From about 1765 through 1790 Adam architectural and interior designs became fashionable. During this time, pile rugs which echoed the Adam designs were also woven. Some common motifs of Adam designs included oval and octagonal shapes in addition to fans, wreaths and garlands. Once again the rug designs mirrored the embossed paneled ceilings of the rooms for which the rugs were commissioned.
The main colors used in these designs were gray, light blue and some shades of red.
Another name associated with English rugs is William Morris, who was an artist, writer, designer, and social activist. His designs included floral motifs with arabesques, influenced by Persian styles. The dominant colors used in his designs were blues and reds. His designs were made between 1878 and 1881; however, these designs are still among the European designs copied by China, Pakistan and India. By the end of the 19th century, tufted rugs replaced pile rugs in England.
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Ireland
Pile rugs have been made in Donegal, Ireland since 1858. The contemporary designs of these famous Donegal rugs are either neoclassical or reflect 20th-century abstract art. These rugs are generally custom-made and the colors are commonly chosen according to the taste of the client, although pastel colors are frequently used.
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