A lush and lyrical composition, this early 20th-century Chinese Art Deco rug brings together bold color, cultural symbolism, and painterly design. At its center, a floral medallion blossoms with peonies, chrysanthemums, and cherry blossoms—traditional emblems of beauty, longevity, and renewal—set against a soft beige field scattered with more floral forms. A wide border frames the scene with an array of auspicious Chinese motifs: pomegranates for fertility, Buddha’s hand citron for happiness, double gourds for health, bats for good fortune, and drifting clouds suggesting transcendence. Woven in richly nuanced shades of violet, lavender, deep and pale indigo, fuchsia, and warm brown wool, the palette feels both vibrant and grounded. As with many Art Deco Chinese rugs of the period, the composition blends tradition with modern sensibility—an expressive statement piece that remains elegant and relevant. Beautiful underfoot, or just admired from across the room, this is a rug that tells stories in color and symbol.
