About This Rug
Handmade in China and dated to the early 1900s, this antique wool rug presents a pictorial composition in layered blues. Spotted deer occupy either end of a deep blue field, surrounded by leafy branches and smaller animal motifs.
Ivory accents distinguish the antlers, facial details and spots against the darker ground. Softer blue passages lend depth to the foliage and border, creating a restrained palette with varied tonal character.
Spotted Deer and Stylised Foliage
The two principal deer face into the composition, their branching antlers and spotted bodies giving each figure a distinctive silhouette. Their placement balances the elongated field without relying on a central medallion.
Stylised branches carry angular ivory leaves through the middle and along the sides. Smaller animal forms appear between the foliage and larger deer, adding detail that becomes clearer at close range.
The design alternates between pale leaf shapes and open blue ground. This spacing allows the individual motifs to remain readable despite their compact arrangement.
A Geometric Blue Frame
A broad fretwork border surrounds the pictorial field with repeating diagonal and angular forms. Layered blue tones define the pattern without introducing additional colours.
A narrow ivory outline and dotted inner band separate the border from the central scene. Stepped corner details provide another geometric accent beside the deer.
The contrast between angular framing and expressive animal drawing gives the rug its decorative identity. Both elements remain visible in the overall views and detailed photographs.
Hand-Knotted Wool and Compact Proportions
The supplied construction is handmade and hand-knotted, using wool. A folded-corner photograph shows the reverse weave and edge detail.
Measuring 67 × 131 cm, the rug has compact, elongated proportions. It can provide a decorative accent beside a bed, in a study or within a small entrance area.
The early-1900s date is an approximate period attribution rather than a documented production year. The photographs show colour differences across the surface and between viewing angles.
Condition
Good overall condition, with age-related pile wear, colour variation and uneven fringes. Some details appear softer where the pile is reduced.
Please review the full views, close-ups and reverse detail for the surface and ends. No restoration history has been supplied.
Key Details
Period: Early 1900s
Origin: China
Type: PaoTao
Material: Wool
Construction: Handmade, hand-knotted
Dimensions: 67 × 131 cm / approximately 2.20 × 4.30 ft
Design: Spotted deer, stylised foliage, small animal motifs and geometric fretwork borders
Colours: Deep blue, indigo, soft blue and ivory
Condition: Good overall, with age-related pile wear, colour variation and uneven fringes
SKU: 1C1306
Why It’s Special
The paired deer, angular leaves and smaller animal forms give this narrow rug a lively pictorial character. Its blue palette and ivory accents unite the expressive field with an orderly geometric frame.
One Royal Art
At One Royal Art, we curate distinctive handmade rugs, celebrating their materials, individual character and decorative detail.
