9 x 11 Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug 76906

76906 Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug, 08'09 x 11'03.

A study in contrasts and symbolism, this hand-knotted wool antique Chinese Art Deco rug evokes both modernist clarity and ancient philosophical resonance. The arresting visual structure—a deep black central field surrounded by a bold crimson border—acts as a dramatic stage upon which delicate blossoms unfold. The grid-like latticework that emerges diagonally from the corners recalls the trellises of classical Chinese gardens, through which nature bursts forth despite geometric restraint. Blossoms of yellow, blue, rose, and red cascade across this framework in vivid sprays, each bloom steeped in layers of cultural meaning. Together, the floral ensemble speaks to the rhythm of nature, weaving the essence of the Four Seasons into the fabric of the design.

Each flower plays a distinct role in this elegant narrative of time and endurance. The peony, lush and full, represents the vigor of spring, unmatched in its beauty and esteemed for its connection to wealth and nobility. Its presence here is not just ornamental but celebratory—a nod to grace, status, and the flowering of life’s promise. Summer’s lotus emerges in contrast, its clean petals symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening. Just as the lotus rises from muddy water unsullied, it becomes a metaphor for perseverance and moral integrity—an aspirational emblem nestled within the structure of the lattice.

Autumn’s chrysanthemum offers a golden moment of reflection within the rug’s painterly composition. With its rich petals and cool tones, it recalls a season of wisdom, dignity, and the graceful decline of age. A cherished symbol in Chinese art and literature, the chrysanthemum was once steeped in medicinal lore—its petals brewed in wine believed to grant longevity. Finally, the plum blossom graces the wintry edge of this floral quartet. Blooming in the frost, its delicate structure belies an indomitable spirit, making it a profound symbol of endurance, inner strength, and renewal. Interwoven with the other blooms, the plum blossom brings harmony to the visual tale of cyclical transformation and balance.

This Chinese Art Deco rug, with its striking minimalist center and its richly symbolic border, reflects a Jazz Age interpretation of Chinese decorative philosophy—modern in layout, timeless in message. The spatial tension between the empty black field and the vibrant floral periphery heightens the meditative quality of the piece, inviting contemplation. Whether seen as a stylized garden or a seasonal mandala, the composition offers more than visual beauty—it reveals a worldview rooted in the harmony of opposites and the quiet wisdom of nature. As a work of woven art, it stands not only as a decorative treasure, but also as a poetic tribute to the enduring values of beauty, strength, purity, and resilience.

• Abrash.
• Hand-knotted wool.
• Made in China.
• Measures: 08'09 x 11'03.
• Date: 1920's. Early 20th Century.