77615 Antique Chinese Art Deco Oval Rug, 03'00 x 04'09.
Whispers of the Willow: An Antique Chinese Art Deco Masterpiece of Distinction
Steeped in the poetic refinement of early 20th-century Shanghai ateliers, this hand-knotted wool Chinese Art Deco rug captures the rare fusion of East Asian symbolism and Western decorative modernism. Woven in the Walter Nichols tradition, it presents a scene of tranquil reverie—a lakeside pavilion nestled beneath cascading willow branches, rendered in hues that whisper rather than shout. Its oval form, unusual and alluring, evokes the intimacy of a painter’s vignette, a private window into a dreamlike garden. This rare silhouette alone speaks to its exclusivity, a bespoke treasure created for those who valued art as a way of life.
The softly structured surface unfolds like silk brushwork translated into wool—the dusky rose field evokes twilight’s soft embrace, while the celadon border frames this exclusive composition with architectural grace. The iconic willow tree, with its sinuous lines and graceful descent, serves as both subject and symbol: a timeless emblem of resilience and renewal. In contrast, the water’s cool blue tones and the delicate boat adrift upon its surface introduce a quiet balance between motion and stillness, serenity and sophistication. Each element harmonizes with the next, creating a living tableau of contemplative beauty.
Beyond its elegance, the craftsmanship tells a story of precision and artistry. The precious handspun wool, now gently timeworn, reveals a patina achieved only through the passage of nearly a century. Its subtle abrash and muted sheen speak of the artisan’s touch and the life it has lived—a tactile testament to the enduring legacy of Chinese weaving under the influence of Art Deco opulence. Few rugs embody such a seamless marriage of cultural heritage and modern design—a piece that remains as striking in a Manhattan penthouse as it once was in a Shanghai salon.
More than a floor covering, this exquisite work of art is a portal—an invitation to step into an era of cosmopolitan glamour and meditative grace. For the collector of rare textiles or the aesthete who seeks refinement beyond fashion, this one-of-a-kind Art Deco treasure offers an experience of timeless prestige. It is a whisper from another world, one that lingers long after the eye has traveled its contours, embodying that most elusive of luxuries: tranquility in artful motion.
Perfect for an entry, open hall, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, sitting room, parlor, mud room, den, studio, study, office, foyer, entryway and pairs beautifully with canton style furniture. Well-suited for a wide range of interior styles: Traditional, Eclectic, Modern, Neoclassical, Georgian, Regency, Empire, Victorian, Arts & Crafts, Craftsman, Aesthetic Movement, Edwardian, Jazz Age, Art Deco, Hollywood Regency, Mid-Century Modern, English Country, French Provincial, Bohemian, Boho Chic, Chinoiserie, Asian Antique, Asian Modern, Japanese, Ming, Qing and Republic Period.
- Rendered in variegated shades of pink, green, rose, olive, royal blue, yellow, tan, red, brown, and taupe with other accent colors.
- Distressed. Desirable Age Wear.
- Abrash.
- Hand-knotted wool.
- Made in China.
- Measures: 03'00 x 04'09.
- Date: 1900s to 1910s. Early 20th Century.
