Antique 1920s Art Deco Chinese rug, Gold Oval Medallion, Near-Mint, 8'1" x 10'2" (247cm x 311cm) - 1B997

A superb antique hand-knotted Chinese Art Deco rug, woven circa 1920s and presented in exceptional, near-mint condition — an increasingly rare find in a category where honest wear is the norm. The pile is full, even, and deeply lustrous throughout, retaining the silky sheen and chromatic intensity of a piece that has been carefully preserved across a century of existence. This is a collector’s example in every sense.

The design is built around one of the most dramatic compositional formats in the Art Deco Chinese repertoire: a vast oval medallion in warm, burnished golden amber, its elliptical form ringed by a soft blush-pink oval border that floats with effortless elegance against the deep burgundy plum field. The contrast between the glowing gold center and the jewel-toned surround is visually arresting — bold enough to command a room, refined enough to anchor it with grace.

The field surrounding the medallion is animated with a carefully composed scatter of classical Chinese motifs: wisteria branches with white and powder-blue blossoms; dark charcoal peonies — the flower of wealth and honor — blooming in the corners; a foo lion in cobalt blue and saffron gold; ruyi cloud scrolls in teal and ivory; scattered cherry blossom petals and delicate butterfly motifs. Each element is rendered with the painterly delicacy characteristic of the finest 1920s production.

The outer border is a restrained ivory fringe, allowing the richness of the field and medallion to speak without competition. The overall palette — golden amber, deep plum, blush pink, charcoal, cobalt, teal, and ivory — is a masterclass in Art Deco color theory: simultaneously opulent and harmonious.

Please note: a light vertical crease is visible through the medallion, the result of storage folding. This is entirely superficial and will relax naturally with use and laying flat — it does not affect the structural integrity or long-term beauty of the piece.

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: Large oval golden medallion on burgundy plum field; wisteria, peonies, foo lion, ruyi cloud scrolls, butterflies, cherry blossoms
• Color palette: Golden amber, deep burgundy/plum, blush pink, charcoal, cobalt blue, teal, ivory
• Dimensions: 247 cm × 311 cm (8’1” × 10’2”)

Condition

Excellent / Near-Mint. Full pile, vivid colors throughout. Light superficial storage crease in medallion area (disclosed) — will relax with use. Structurally perfect.