tapisserie

Tapisserie is a textile art form that refers to the creation of large woven wall hangings, as well as the workshops and traditions associated with their production. The term denotes decorative tapestries woven on fixed looms, where the design is built up with discontinuous weft threads of varied color to create pictorial scenes and patterns. A full-scale drawing, or cartoon, guides the weaver, and the front surface shows the colorful, painterly image while the warp remains largely hidden.

Historically, tapestry weaving flourished in medieval and early modern Europe. Centers in Flanders and northern France produced many large, high-quality tapestries for churches and noble residences, valued for their artistry, insulation, and display of wealth. The Gobelin Manufactory in Paris, established in the 17th century, became a renowned royal workshop for decorative tapestries. The Aubusson tapestry workshop, with roots dating to the 15th century, developed into a major center known for fine wool and silk weavings. Tapestries were crafted not only as wall adornments but also as portable, multifunctional pieces offering both beauty and practical benefits.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, production declined with the rise of industrial textile manufacture, but tapestry weaving experienced revival as an art form. Today, contemporary weavers and artists continue to explore both traditional and experimental approaches, employing new materials and techniques. Tapisserie remains recognized as a historic and ongoing field within the decorative arts, found in museums, churches, and private interiors.