Portrait of Joseph II, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire

The Savonnerie Manufactory was a European knotted tapestry manufactory that operated in France from the 17th to the 19th centuries. It was founded in 1627 by King Louis XIII in the town of Savonnerie, near Paris, and later moved to the Gobelins Manufactory in Paris. Savonnerie carpets were renowned for their high quality and intricate designs, often featuring floral motifs and elaborate borders. They were made using a technique called 'Ghiordes knotting', in which individual knots were tied to a warp thread to create a dense, plush pile. The manufactory produced carpets for the French royal court and other wealthy clients throughout Europe. Production declined in the 18th century due to competition from other European carpet makers and changing tastes in interior design. Today, Savonnerie carpets are highly sought after by collectors and can be found in museums and private collections around the world.