Which statement correctly contrasts Aubusson and Savonnerie carpets?

Which statement correctly contrasts Aubusson and Savonnerie carpets?

• A. Savonnerie has a flat woven surface; Aubusson has a soft pile.
• B. Aubusson has a flat woven surface; Savonnerie has a soft pile.
• C. Both have a flat woven surface.
• D. Both have a soft pile.

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is the surface created by the weaving technique. Aubusson carpets are flat-woven tapestries with no pile—the pattern sits in the fabric itself and the surface remains even and smooth. Savonnerie carpets are pile carpets, woven to produce a raised, plush surface you can feel underfoot. So the correct understanding is that Aubusson has a flat woven surface while Savonnerie has a soft pile. Historically, Aubusson is the flat-weave tradition, whereas Savonnerie is renowned for its thick, luxurious pile.

The main idea here is the surface created by the weaving technique. Aubusson carpets are flat-woven tapestries with no pile—the pattern sits in the fabric itself and the surface remains even and smooth. Savonnerie carpets are pile carpets, woven to produce a raised, plush surface you can feel underfoot. So the correct understanding is that Aubusson has a flat woven surface while Savonnerie has a soft pile. Historically, Aubusson is the flat-weave tradition, whereas Savonnerie is renowned for its thick, luxurious pile.