About This Rug
Handmade in China and dated to the early 1900s, this antique wool rug presents a charming pictorial scene. Spotted deer, birds with outstretched wings and stylised trees decorate an ivory field framed by deep blue borders.
Its compact dimensions, 67 × 129 cm, give the composition an intimate scale. Indigo, navy and softer blue tones create a clear contrast with the pale ground, allowing each animal motif to stand out.
Deer, Birds and Stylised Trees
Two spotted deer occupy different sections of the field, their lifted legs and curved necks suggesting movement. Pale spots enliven their dark bodies, while lighter blue details distinguish their necks.
Between them, birds spread their wings across the ivory ground. Their strongly outlined silhouettes bring a lively rhythm to the otherwise open composition.
Stylised trees rise beside the animals, with rounded foliage and curling branches. Small plant forms and angular landscape shapes add detail near the ends, balancing the larger figures.
Geometric Borders in Blue and Ivory
A broad fretwork border surrounds the pictorial field with repeating angular shapes. Its crisp blue-and-ivory contrast offers a geometric counterpoint to the flowing animal and tree silhouettes.
A narrower key-pattern band separates the main border from the central scene. Plain blue outer edging completes the frame, while light fringes remain at both ends.
The restrained palette keeps the design cohesive despite its varied motifs. Softer blue passages add depth to the darker outlines and corner forms.
Handmade Wool and Compact Proportions
Described as a PaoTao rug, this piece combines wool texture with a distinctive decorative arrangement. The early-1900s date is an approximate period attribution rather than a documented production year.
Its narrow rectangular shape makes it suitable beside a bed, near a desk or within a small seating arrangement. The pictorial field offers interest without requiring the footprint of a larger room rug.
Condition
Good overall condition, with age-related pile wear and uneven, worn fringes. The photographs show areas of reduced pile, including horizontal wear across part of the ivory field.
Please review the overall views and close-ups for surface texture, border condition and fringe lengths. No restoration history has been supplied.
Key Details
Period: Early 1900s
Origin: China
Type: PaoTao
Material: Wool
Construction: Handmade
Dimensions: 67 × 129 cm / approximately 2.20 × 4.23 ft
Design: Spotted deer, birds, stylised trees, landscape forms and geometric fretwork borders
Colours: Ivory, indigo, navy and soft blue
Condition: Good overall, with age-related pile wear and uneven fringes
SKU: 1C1304
Why It’s Special
The expressive animal silhouettes and contrasting geometric frame give this small rug a distinctive identity. Its ivory-and-blue palette brings together playful pictorial detail and a strong, orderly border.
One Royal Art
At One Royal Art, we curate distinctive handmade rugs, celebrating their materials, individual character and decorative detail.
