Oriental Tapestries - Asian Elephant Tapestries

Since the cultures of the Eastern world were opened up to the West by Jesuit missionaries, in the seventeenth century, Oriental Tapestries have been highly popular. For more than two hundred years the West’s intrigue, in what we perceive to be as somewhat curious and exotic cultures, has continued to increase. During the seventeenth century, Oriental Tapestries reached a high point. A time when central Asia was known as the Safavid Empire. It was the missionaries and the Silk Routes which brought the first Oriental Tapestries to Europe. Oriental Tapestries were highly revered by the rich Aristocrats, who could afford them.

Oriental Tapestries were produced as rugs in the East. Originally, they were woven by hand on a loom, using knots to create the pattern within the warp and weft yarn. In Europe, these ‘rugs’ were used as decorative wall hangings, or to drape furniture. However, by the middle of the nineteenth century, with the rise of industrialization, highly decorative Oriental Tapestries became available to the masses. They were imported to both America and Europe, and this sparked a renewed interest in these wonderful textiles. By this time, Oriental Tapestries were already being produced on an industrial scale in the East and in Europe, mainly due to the high demand for them in the West.

Oriental Tapestries reflect the artistic style of the East, and although certainly not the only subject matter, elephants were often incorporated within the design. Today, elephants are frequently central to the design of more classically styled, Oriental Tapestry reproductions. Many contemporary Oriental Tapestries are inspired by a design created by Jean-Baptiste-Amédée Couder. His ‘Elephant Tapestry’ was originally manufactured in a carpet factory founded by Alexis Sallandrouze in 1838, at Aubusson, central France. Today, the ‘Elephant Tapestry’ is displayed at the ‘Musée du Louvre’ in Paris. It is the exotic Oriental styling embodied within the Tapestry, which is thought to have contributed enormously to a renewed interest in Oriental Tapestries: This was during the early part of the eighteenth century, when this Tapestry was produced. Oriental Tapestries relate to East Asian culture, especially China, Japan, and all the neighboring countries.

The ‘Elephant Tapestry’ was produced between 1840 and 1843, using wool silk and metallic thread. It is a large Tapestry, being almost six meters wide and seven meters high. Oriental Tapestries typically incorporate a wide border, which often includes several subsidiary borders. The ‘Elephant Tapestry’ is highly typical of the Oriental style, and includes a rich and complex border. As do many of the Oriental Tapestries available today. An Oriental woman is riding an Asian Elephant which is passing between a banana and a palm tree. The somewhat luxurious and detailed landscape includes many animals, all typical of the Asian continent. It is believed that Couder may have produced a complete set of Oriental Tapestries, representing all the Eastern continents.

Certain style aspects, especially the border, of the ‘Elephant Tapestry’ deeply reflect upon Islamic art. However, this highly influential Tapestry also shows a certain recollection of ‘Les Anciennes Indes’, or the ‘Indies Tapestries’, as they are commonly referred to today. A series of eight Oriental Tapestries produced at the famous Gobelins Tapestry factory, between 1692 and 1740. The factory of Alexis Sallandrouze, where the ‘Elephant Tapestry’ was produced, primarily manufactured high quality carpets. Most of which would be designed by his companions. Jean-Baptiste-Amédée Couder was known to be fascinated by Islamic Art, and was also known to be an associate of Sallandrouze. The two facts combined are why the design of the ‘Elephant Tapestry’ has been accredited to him.

The Elephant, Camel, Budda and Dragons, along with geometric and floral designs are highly representative of eighteenth century Oriental Tapestries. Geometric and floral designs, with bright colors and Feng Shui symbols, are typical of early Chinese and Japanese design. Today, you will find a vast array of Oriental Tapestries reflecting many of the styles which were typical of the ancient Orient. Even so, you will also find various graduations between all those styles. Whether you prefer the more Asian designs, featuring the Elephant or Camel, or opt for the more geometric and minimalist designs from China and Japan. Oriental Tapestries make a wonderful focal point to any room.

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