Paule Leleu, Rectangular Rug, 1950

The daughter of Jules Leleu, Paule joined the family company at a young age. Over time she became the firm's colorist and the head of the design studio, where she oversaw the textile...

Vintage French Art Deco Rug by Paule Leleu Size: 6'10" × 11'7" (208 × 353 cm) An exceptional example of post-war French textile design, this vintage rug by Paule Leleu—daughter of th...

Vintage French Art Deco Rug by Paule Leleu Size: 9'6" × 16'8" (289 × 508 cm) This rare vintage French Art Deco rug, attributed to the renowned designer Paule Leleu, epitomizes the re...

Vintage French Art Deco Round Rug by Paule Leleu Size: 8'8" × 8'8" (264 × 264 cm) This stunning vintage round rug is a striking example of French Art Deco design, attributed to the c...

The daughter of Jules Leleu, Paule joined the family company at a young age. Over time she became the firm's colorist and the head of the design studio, where she oversaw the textile...

The daughter of Jules Leleu, Paule joined the family company at a young age. Over time she became the firm's colorist and the head of the design studio, where she oversaw the textile...

This exquisite 1940s French creation, hand-knotted in plush wool pile by Paule Leleu circa 1942–1946, is an exciting centerpiece for Rug & Kilim's Vintage Art Deco Collection. As chief rug designer for the influential Maison Leleu, Paule is celebrated for transitioning the Art Deco aesthetic toward a more structured, richly patterned style in the post-war era. On the Design: This rug is a striking testament to Paule Leleu’s mastery of structured ornamentation, offering a fascinating textural contrast to her more open floral pieces. As a rare and collectible piece, it stands as a unique document of her versatility within the Art Deco framework. The design centers on a highly sophisticated, all-over geometric lattice, composed of continuous diamond shapes rendered in vibrant crimson, rich navy blue, and luminous cream. The key artistic element is the rich infill: each diamond is meticulously patterned with miniature stylized floral and foliage motifs, a beautiful and complex blend of pattern density and modernist symmetry. This creates an effect of a detailed jewel box contained within the darker frame. The central pattern is dramatically encased by a wide border of lustrous, tonal chocolate brown and elegantly detailed by an undulating scrolling ribbon inner border, underscoring the contrast between the plush, monochromatic frame and the polychromatic geometry of the field. This deeply textured, layered design exemplifies Leleu's refined aesthetic, bridging the decorative exuberance of classic Art Deco with the structural elegance of the post-war period. Condition This mid-century Leleu Art Deco rug...

This magnificent and genuinely rare collectible 8x10 piece, hand-knotted in plush wool pile by Paule Leleu circa 1942–1946, is an exciting centerpiece for Rug & Kilim's Vintage Art Deco Collection. As chief rug designer for the influential Maison Leleu, Paule is celebrated for transitioning the Art Deco aesthetic toward more fluid, post-war elegance. On the Design: This rug is a woven masterpiece, epitomizing Paule Leleu's refined aesthetic, which seamlessly blends the symmetry of Art Deco with the charm of classical botanical illustration. It is a rare and collectible piece that speaks to a critical period in French design history (the 1940s), when Leleu expanded her repertoire to embrace rich floral patterns. The design features a centralized, open field of luminous saffron and gold, serving as a warm, opulent canvas. This space is framed by a lavish, scrolling border of large, stylized roses, leaves, and smaller blossoms. The motifs are rendered in a bold yet sophisticated palette of deep red, soft rose pink, and rich olive green. The artistry lies in the perfect balance between the opulent border and the uncluttered field—a hallmark of Leleu's genius. Authenticated as an original creation, the rug bears the visible signature of Paule Leleu, confirming its status not merely as a luxurious floor covering but as a prized artifact of French style moderne and a beautiful piece of European design heritage. Condition: This mid-century Leleu Art Deco rug...

This breathtaking circular rug is a rare signed masterpiece hand-knotted in plush wool pile by Paule Leleu circa 1942–1946. It is an exceptional centerpiece for Rug & Kilim's Vintage Art Deco Collection, demonstrating Leleu's genius for blending classical symmetry with brilliant, celebratory color. On the Design: This rug is a magnificent, woven poem, its circular form suggesting a cosmic mandala or a captured, radiant sun. The design embodies the Art Deco movement's dedication to symmetry and geometric precision, translated here into a celebratory, lyrical form. The entire composition radiates outward from an intense central core of crimson and emerald, forming a spectacular, geometric starburst that pulses with life and energy. The visual precision of the inner ring, composed of hundreds of minute, perfectly executed stepped and pointed motifs, ensures that light is drawn directly to this radiant center. This vibrant core is softened by a broad, placid band of cream, which serves as the backdrop for a lyrical outer garland. This band features a meticulously woven scrolling ribbon and stylized floral motifs in a complementary rhythm of red and green, establishing a joyful, flowing energy around the perimeter. The final touch is the deep green edge, perfectly containing the design's exuberance. The palette—a joyous pairing of vivid red and crisp green against the light ground—is wonderfully unexpected for the 1940s, yet fully embodies the enduring optimism and structured luxury of the Art Deco aesthetic. Hand-knotted in plush wool pile, the surface not only delights the eye but provides a sensation of luxurious comfort underfoot, fully befitting a commissioned piece from the celebrated Maison Leleu. Authenticated as an original creation, the rug bears the clear signature of Paule Leleu in the weave, a final affirmation of this exceptional design. Condition: This mid-century Leleu Art Deco rug...

Paule Leleu (1906-1987) was one of the most celebrated carpet designers of 20th century France. Daughter of Jules Leleu, a prolific furniture designer and interior decorator of the A...