78911 Antique Pink Chinese Art Deco Rug, 08'11 x 11'07.
This hand-knotted wool antique Chinese Art Deco rug is a mesmerizing testament to the artistic innovation and cultural richness of the early 20th century. Radiating with an undeniable charm, the rug's enchanting design reflects the harmonious fusion of traditional Chinese symbolism with the bold, avant-garde aesthetics of the Art Deco movement. The rug's luxurious texture and vibrant colors beckon the viewer into a world where history, art, and culture intertwine.
At the heart of this captivating piece is a soft pink field adorned with swirling orange and red cloud patterns, known as "auspicious clouds" or "yunqi" in Chinese tradition. These clouds, gracefully undulating across the rug's surface, symbolize celestial blessings and the divine connection between heaven and earth. The pink backdrop, delicate yet impactful, enhances the ethereal quality of the design, while the dynamic clouds inject a sense of energy and movement, embodying both tranquility and vitality.
The Chinese Art Deco rug's border is a masterpiece in itself, framed with a vivid blue hue that introduces a sense of depth and serenity. Within this border, majestic phoenixes, or "fenghuang," gracefully emerge, their intricately woven feathers rendered in a sophisticated palette of greens, blues, and beiges. In Chinese mythology, the phoenix is a revered symbol of virtue, grace, and the harmonious balance of yin and yang. Its presence in the rug not only elevates the aesthetic appeal but also infuses the piece with cultural significance, representing peace, prosperity, and renewal.
A striking feature of this rug is the inclusion of a Kuilong dragon in the vertical borders. Seen as possessing unrivaled power, strength, and nobility, the dragon is among the most beloved symbols in Chinese culture. These serpentine dragons, strategically placed with their heads and long whiskers aimed toward the center of the piece, evoke a sense of movement and power. Traditionally believed to control the elements—such as floods, droughts, rain, thunder, and lightning—these dragons reside in the heavens, a notion further emphasized by the scattered Ruyi clouds and ribbon-like cloud bands throughout the composition. These elements serve as a visual reminder of the dragon's connection to divine forces and the natural world.
Additional elements within the rug's design further enrich its symbolic narrative. The vase motif, delicately placed within the border, signifies peace and tranquility, while the dual fish motif—a symbol of abundance and marital harmony—adds a touch of auspiciousness to the overall composition. These motifs, meticulously rendered with fine attention to detail, create a tableau of meanings that invite contemplation and admiration.
This antique Chinese Art Deco rug is more than just a decorative item; it is a cultural artifact that bridges the past and present, tradition and modernity. Its harmonious blend of color, symbolism, and artistic flair makes it a true centerpiece, capable of transforming any interior space with its timeless beauty. Whether placed in a contemporary setting or a classic environment, this Chinese Art Deco rug will undoubtedly evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage it represents.
- Rendered in variegated shades of pink, rose, mauve, blue, red, orange, black, brown, dark green, navy blue, purple, teal, lemon-lime, gray, tan, and beige with other accent colors.
- Abrash. Age Wear.
- Hand knotted wool.
- Made in China.
- Measures: 08'11 x 11'07.
- Pile Height: 0.32 of an inch.
- Date: 1920's. Early 20th Century.
