Antique Tapestry Square Small Scatter Size Wool & Silk Black Rug, Circa Date: 1550s. This extraordinary piece represents a rare survival from the mid-16th century, executed in a sophisticated tapestry weave incorporating both fine wool and lustrous silk threads. Its profound age, exceptional preservation, and unique Square format place it among the most historically significant antique rugs in our collection, offering a tangible link to European Renaissance textile production.
The composition is defined by a dense field of naturalistic flora—including stylized tulips and fritillaries—set against a strikingly dark ground. The sophisticated use of a deep, near-black color rugs provides dramatic contrast, allowing the subtle palette of rust, sage, and ivory to emerge with remarkable clarity, a characteristic often associated with high-period European textile design.
While most surviving tapestries from this period are monumental in scale, this example is rendered in a highly desirable Square small scatter size, making it uniquely adaptable for display as a wall hanging or a precious floor covering. The meticulous detail achieved in this smaller format speaks volumes about the master weaver’s skill and the high value placed on such luxury textiles.
The design features a magnificent millefleurs-style arrangement, where every available space is filled with botanical forms, creating a rich, textural effect reminiscent of an enclosed garden. This continuous, dense arrangement is a perfect example of an allover rugs pattern, emphasizing the abundance and vitality celebrated in 16th-century European decorative arts.