Antique 1920s Art Deco Chinese rug, Aubergine Plum, Floral Sprays, 8'10" x 11'6" (269cm x 351cm) - 1B996

A breathtaking antique hand-knotted Chinese Art Deco rug, woven circa 1920s — one of the most celebrated and collectible periods in the history of Chinese carpet weaving, when Western Art Deco aesthetics merged seamlessly with centuries of Chinese botanical and symbolic tradition.

The field is a deep, saturated aubergine plum — a color of remarkable richness and rarity in antique Chinese rugs, associated with the finest productions of the 1920s export trade. Against this jewel-toned ground, an asymmetric cascade of oversized floral blooms unfolds with the freedom and spontaneity of a Chinese ink painting: voluptuous peonies in rose, coral, and gold; stately chrysanthemums in steel blue and silver; delicate cherry blossoms on trailing branches; dahlias and scattered wildflowers in teal, amber, and blush pink. Each bloom is rendered with a naturalistic softness — petals shaded and layered — that gives the composition an almost three-dimensional quality. A small kingfisher bird perches among the blossoms, a traditional symbol of beauty and good fortune.

The inner border is a masterpiece of Art Deco design: a scalloped, cloud-shaped cartouche in soft silver-grey separates the field from the outer border, its undulating edge outlined in warm gold. Within the outer border, further floral sprays continue the garden theme on a muted taupe ground. Golden cloud scroll motifs punctuate the corners, a nod to classical Chinese cosmological symbolism rendered in a thoroughly modern, decorative spirit.

At 269 × 351 cm (8’10” × 11’6”), this is a room-defining piece — large enough to anchor a formal living room, dining room, or master bedroom. Art Deco Chinese rugs in aubergine are among the most sought-after in the category; this example, with its exceptional palette and generous scale, represents a rare opportunity.

Details

• Type: Antique handmade Chinese Art Deco rug
• Origin: China
• Style: Art Deco
• Period: c. 1920s (Antique — approx. 100 years old)
• Material: Hand-spun wool pile on cotton foundation
• Technique: Hand-knotted
• Design: Asymmetric floral sprays — peonies, chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms, dahlias; scalloped cloud border; golden cloud scroll corners
• Color palette: Deep aubergine/plum, silver-grey, rose, coral, gold, teal, steel blue, blush pink
• Dimensions: 269 cm × 351 cm (8’10” × 11’6”)

Condition

Fair/Good antique condition. Some areas of low pile consistent with honest age and use. Colors vivid and structure intact throughout. Condition reflected in price.