77463 Oval Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug, 02'06 x 04'05.
An exquisite celebration of ornamental refinement, this antique hand-knotted Chinese Art Deco rug represents an extraordinary convergence of East Asian symbolism and Jazz Age glamour. Rarely does one encounter such an opulent expression of beauty and craftsmanship in an oval format, making this piece an unrivaled collectible for connoisseurs of historic luxury. Its midnight navy field envelops the eye in a velvety sea of depth and stillness, creating a regal backdrop for the floral crescendo that blossoms along its periphery. The softly rounded shape further enhances its intimacy and rarity—perfect for adding architectural softness and aristocratic charm to curated spaces.
Encircling the rich blue ground is an exuberant garland of hand-knotted floral bouquets, rendered in luminous shades of celadon, periwinkle, soft lilac, coral rose, goldenrod, and rich garnet. The naturalistic rendering of the blossoms, leaves, and vine scrolls captures the splendor of China’s seasonal abundance—invoking springtime renewal, joyful prosperity, and the enduring cycle of life. This profusion of florals is not merely decorative; it is deeply symbolic—representing virtue, harmony, and the poetic ideals of classical Chinese aesthetics. The composition pays homage to traditional Chinese garden imagery, reinterpreted through the lens of early 20th-century Art Deco opulence.
Woven circa 1920 during the golden age of the Nichols rug ateliers, this piece is emblematic of a moment when East met West in bold, expressive design. Commissioned by tastemakers for grand interiors in Shanghai, London, and Manhattan, Nichols rugs were favored by aristocrats, art patrons, and the transatlantic elite. This oval rug, in particular, is a testament to the prestige and customization available only to the upper echelons of society—its size, format, and floral layout all suggest bespoke craftsmanship rather than mass production. As a one-of-a-kind heirloom, it stands as a symbol of scarcity and cultural connoisseurship, with the ability to anchor interiors from Belle Époque salons to Modernist townhouses.
Beyond its aesthetic magnificence, this work of art carries social resonance in today’s age of mindful collecting. Hand-knotted in pure wool by skilled artisans, this rug is a tactile reminder of slow design—where each knot speaks to human labor, heritage, and soul. Its enduring quality and timeless elegance embody the principles of sustainable luxury, where beauty and social good are inherently intertwined. This is more than a rug—it is an invitation to inhabit a legacy of refinement, artistry, and enlightened taste.
- Rendered in variegated shades of ink blue, midnight, sand, beige, navy blue, purple, lavender, sage, olive, terra cotta, rust, ecru, and tan with other accent colors.
- Desirable Age Wear. Abrash.
- Hand-knotted wool.
- Made in China.
- Measures: 02'06 x 04'05.
- Date: 1920s. Early 20th Century.
