Artifact: Carpet
Materials: Knotted and cut wool pile
Dimensions: H. 147 x W. 141 in.
Date: 1729-1755
Origin: Paris, France
Collection: Metropolitan Museum of Art
License: OASC
Ledger Entry: French Carpet
Department: Household
Customer: William Hawkins
Ledger Page: 75
Imported From: Carpets were likely imported in the colonial period from Turkey, France, or British production centers such as Wilton, Axminster and Kidderminster.
Product Description
In the early eighteenth century, the term carpet was ambiguous and used to describe both table carpets (or table cloths) and floor coverings. By mid century, however, the term carpet more likely referred to an unspecified type of floor covering which could vary from printed floor cloths to knotted and tufted “Turkey” carpets. Since they were still a relatively novel object, carpets would have been a status symbol a visible representation of the owner's wealth and luxury.
Citation: Sophie Sarin. “The Floorcloth and Other Floor Coverings in the London Domestic Interior 1700–1800.” Journal of Design History 18:2 (2005).;
Historical Price: 2 shillings, 10 pence; Modern USD: $31.8
Product Variations
The databases record six purchases of carpet or carpeting. Four of these were French carpeting, one was simply for carpeting, and the last was for one large floor carpet. The prices range from two shillings three pence to two shillings ten pence.
