79192 Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug, 10'00 x 13'03.
This hand-knotted wool antique Chinese Art Deco rug, inspired by the refined artistry of Walter Nichols, is a lyrical composition where elegance and symbolism converge. A lustrous copper hued field unfolds like a silken scroll, grounded by a deep indigo border rich with emblematic motifs. At the heart of this opulent tableau lies a roundel medallion, encircled with peonies and phoenix birds suggesting the eternal dance between beauty and virtue, as the phoenix, or Feng Huang, embodies grace, nobility, and peace. A group of ruyi cloud motifs—symbols of heavenly protection and wish-fulfillment, create a small enclosure around the heart of the medallion. Within this medallion, an urn brimming with floral abundance paired with a teapot and other scholarly motifs take center stage. These motifs are not merely decorative, but sacred symbols, narrating stories of virtue, prosperity, and cosmic balance.
Scattered across the field and blossoming from the corners are stylized sprays of peonies, chrysanthemums, plum blossoms, and lotus flowers—each carefully rendered in jewel tones of amethyst, sapphire, jade, and ruby. The peony, the “king of flowers,” evokes wealth and honor, while chrysanthemums whisper of longevity and contentment. Plum blossoms, symbols of resilience, bloom against adversity, and the lotus, rising pure from muddy waters, is a beacon of spiritual perfection. These flowers, in unison, form an eternal bouquet representing the Four Seasons, uniting the cyclical rhythms of nature with enduring human aspirations.
The corners of the border are adorned with intricate pictorial motifs, each bearing layers of cultural meaning. In each one, a cloisonne urn overflows with florals, symbolizing peace and cultivated harmony. Encircling this grand tableau is an inner guard band, its meandering floral vines intertwined with tonal fretwork—an echo of infinity and protection. Here, delicate prunus blossoms, camellias, and orchids flourish. The prunus, a harbinger of spring, symbolizes renewal and perseverance. Camellias, graceful and refined, signify admiration and longevity. Orchids, beloved for their subtle elegance, denote integrity and scholarly pursuit. This intimate detail work provides a soft cadence that harmonizes with the grandeur of the central field.
This Chinese Art Deco rug is not merely a floor covering, but a woven symphony of symbols and splendor—a testament to the golden age of Chinese Art Deco design. Each knot is a brushstroke in a painting of prosperity and peace, imbued with the essence of tradition and the innovation of early 20th-century artistry. As the phoenixes soar and flowers bloom, this masterpiece invites the beholder into a world where every motif breathes life, meaning, and poetic beauty.
- Abrash.
- Hand knotted wool.
- Made in China.
- Measures: 10'00 x 13'03.
- Pile Height: 0.39 of an inch.
- Date: 1920's. Early 20th Century.
