Chinese Art Deco Wool Rug
This handmade Chinese wool rug presents a phoenix-like bird and crane within a richly coloured, borderless landscape. Its deep aubergine-purple field provides a dramatic setting for cream foliage and a flowing coral-and-ochre tail. The composition dates to the early twentieth century.
The narrow rectangular format carries the scene naturally along its length. A leafy tree rises beside the birds, while pale rockwork anchors the lower section. Traditional Chinese imagery combines with an Art Deco decorative character.
Phoenix-Like Bird and Crane
The larger bird commands the centre with its patterned body, red crest and long pale neck feathers. Its sweeping tail curves towards the rocky foreground. Small dark markings punctuate the coral and ochre bands, adding detail to the flowing silhouette.
A crane stands beneath the tree, its long neck rising beside the trunk. Cream and dark outlines distinguish its wings and slender form. Together, the two birds give the design a strong pictorial focus.
Peony, Clouds and Landscape
A flowering peony opens beside the larger bird, balanced by the tree on the opposite side. Pale branches spread across the upper field. Stylised cream and lavender clouds pass behind them near a small red sun.
The lower landscape uses pale sage, cream and deep brown to define irregular rocky forms. These shapes contrast with the fine bird feathers and delicate foliage. The asymmetrical arrangement gives the scene space without enclosing it in a conventional border.
Hand-Knotted Wool Surface
The rug is handmade and hand-knotted in wool. Its worn surface reveals variations in the purple ground and lighter motifs. Close views show the underlying construction where the pile has thinned.
Measuring 90 × 175 cm, it offers a substantial pictorial design in a compact, elongated format. Cream details remain prominent against the darker field. The coral tail and red flower introduce warmer accents without overwhelming the aubergine background.
Condition
Age-related wear is present throughout, with uneven low pile, localised thinning and areas of visible foundation. The edges show fraying, loose threads and worn finishing. The ends are irregular, with exposed threads visible in close views.
The pictorial design remains clearly legible despite the wear. This is a visibly aged textile rather than a full-pile example. Low-traffic placement or supported decorative display is preferable to a busy passage.
Key Details
Period: Early twentieth century
Origin: China
Style: Chinese Art Deco
Material: Wool
Technique: Handmade, hand-knotted
Design: Phoenix-like bird, crane, flowering peony, tree, clouds and rocky landscape
Colours: Aubergine, purple, cream, pale sage, coral, rust, ochre, lavender and dark brown
Shape: Rectangular
Layout: Asymmetrical, borderless pictorial composition
Dimensions: 90 × 175 cm / approximately 2.95 × 5.74 ft
Condition: Uneven low pile, thinning, visible foundation, frayed edges, loose threads and irregular ends
SKU: 1V01
Why It’s Special
The rug’s appeal lies in its expansive bird-and-landscape scene and unusual aubergine palette. Its flowing tail, pale tree and contrasting rockwork remain expressive despite the worn surface. A distinctive decorative textile for a quiet interior or carefully supported display.
