79219 Antique Red Chinese Art Deco Rug, 08'11 x 11'01.
Imperial Whimsy: A Rare Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug Inspired by Walter Nichols
A luminous embodiment of East-meets-West opulence, this antique Chinese Art Deco rug — attributed to the celebrated atelier of Walter Nichols — is a dazzling testament to the bold elegance and cultural fusion of the 1920s and '30s Jazz Age. Saturated in lacquer red and framed with a glowing goldenrod border, this singular piece evokes the cinematic glamour of Old Shanghai and the cosmopolitan interiors of pre-war Manhattan penthouses. A work of decorative art as much as floor covering, it is a treasure for collectors who seek rarity, narrative, and unapologetic luxury.
At the heart of the composition, an exuberant garden of symbolism blooms: peony sprays and flowering prunus branches twist around scholarly scrolls, hanging lanterns, fretwork vases, and incense burners. Mythic creatures — from dragons to phoenix-like birds — swirl among the flora, all suspended on a field of deep crimson like jeweled embroidery on imperial silk. The golden border is punctuated with roundels, butterflies, lotus blossoms, and auspicious emblems, forming a glowing, gilded frame that enhances the theatricality of the composition. Every element is charged with meaning — prosperity, joy, peace, wisdom — forming a silent symphony of good fortune.
Art Deco Chinese rugs of this caliber, particularly those created under the vision of Nichols' workshop, are increasingly rare and fiercely sought after by connoisseurs, designers, and collectors. Their bold palettes, stylized asymmetry, and fusion of tradition with modernity captured the spirit of an era — one where elegance was indulgent, and artistry uncompromising. This exquisite work of art is not merely an accessory; it is a statement of cultural cachet and timeless sophistication, the kind of piece that anchors a room, ignites conversation, and elevates space into atmosphere.
Whether installed in a Parisian salon, a layered collector’s library, or a sleek modernist gallery, this exclusive masterpiece bridges the decorative and the divine. It is more than historic — it is iconic. And in its saturated palette and lavish symbolism, it offers something increasingly rare in today’s world: a vision of luxury that is bold, storied, and utterly unforgettable.
- Abrash.
- Hand knotted wool.
- Made in China.
- Measures: 08'11 x 11'01.
- Pile Height: 0.39 of an inch.
- Date: 1920's. Early 20th Century.
