Chinese and East Asian Rugs

A vintage Chinese Peking throw rug handmade during the mid-20th century with a cream border and light blue field. Measures: 2' 6" x 4' 3" The craft of the hand-knotted carpet in China, and the surrounding areas including Mongolia and Tibet, extends into the early centuries of the first millennium, C.E., but we really have a firm grasp only beginning in the later 16th century with large, very coarsely woven carpets, often depicting dragons, created for the Imperial Forbidden City palaces. Chinese carpets have always been commercial and there are no tribal groups responsible for any of the carpet weaving strains. When the Ming Dynasty fell in 1644, with no Imperial patrons, production moved to the city of Ningxia in north central China where several workshops turned out more finely woven pieces for the Mandarins of the administrative Ch’ing bureaucracy and well-to-do merchants. Ningxia was the major Chinese carpet center up through most of the 19th century, with first allover and then medallion designs on cotton foundations in medium weaves. Palettes were initially limited to yellows, dark blue and cream, but later widened to include reds, browns and even green. These antiques were the first Chinese carpets to be exported to the West and they fitted in well with the craze for Chinese blue-and-white porcelain in the second half of the 19th century. Ningxia also wove shaped and rectangular small rugs for saddle underlays, chair (“throne”) seats and shaped backs, pillar carpets with dragons or monks for Buddhist monasteries, and long divided runners for monastery meditation halls. These small rugs are among the most collectible of all Chinese weavings. Weavers from Ningxia set up workshops in the capital Peking (Beijing) in the 1860’s and began weaving Western room sizes for export, primarily to America. In blue – and – white and polychrome palettes, with round wreath medallions, precious objects, seasonal flowers, paeonies, lotuses, fretwork, clouds, butterflies and bats, all relatively spaciously drawn. The round “Shou” (Good Luck) character is also a prominent decorative motif. There are also a few Peking landscape pictorials with pagodas, houses, bridges, waterscapes and boats. Peking carpets were woven right up until WWII and production began again after the Cultural Revolution around 1970. They are moderately well-woven, on cotton foundations, exactingly executed and indisputably Chinese. Many are in the blue-and-white style. Nothing else looks like a Peking carpet and for a Chinese “look” in a room, they are absolutely indispensable. Sizes range from scatters and a few runners, through the popular 9’12’ size, to large carpets over 20’ which must have been special orders. The earliest Peking Revival carpets are pliable and fairly thin, but they became heavier and more compact in the 20th century, in competition with Art Deco carpets from Tientsin. The modern, post- 1970, pieces are in the traditional Peking style, but are a little too regular and neat. Exactitude has been favored over character, as hard to explain that as it is. There are a number of all-silk and silk-and –metal thread pieces, many with inscriptions purporting to link them with rooms in the Imperial palaces, bringing very substantial auction prices, but none are really antique. The genre emerged after WWI and the present demand comes from mainland Chinese. The silk piles often stand in pattern relief against flat woven gold metal thread grounds. The inscriptions are apocryphal, the rugs are flashily opulent, perfect for nouveaux riches. The Art Deco period between the two World Wars saw a distinctive carpet industry developing in Tientsin (Tianjin) in northeastern China. These are highly prized for their transitional design character, neither overtly Chinese, nor abstractly modern/contemporary. Woven exclusively for export, usually by and for American firms, such as Nichols and Elbrook, they are totally in the “Jazz Age Modern” style of the 1920’s, often without borders, with abstract or abstracted patterns, and only with, at best, a few Chinese-y pattern elements. Vases asymmetrically placed in the corners are features of some of the more Chinese-y carpets. Open fields with floral sprays and branches growing in from the edges are anther design innovation. Often, Chinese motives have been re-imagined in more sharp-edged, abstract manners. Some have no references whatsoever to natural elements. The patterns are sharp and the rugs are never subdued, soft or restrained. The rugs are heavily constructed, with crisp, unfading dyes and medium to medium coarse weaves on cotton foundations. All are extremely well-executed, with none of the vagaries, variations or twists found on even high-quality Persian rugs. The majority are in the 9’ by 12’ format and a surprising number can be found in top condition. There also was a substantial production in Peking from, especially from the Fette factory. Elliptical and round carpets, and lighter, often pastel colors, were a specialty. Nothing looks like an Art Deco Chinese and they work well with traditional Chinese furniture and the most modern decor as well. These is no substitute for a good Chinese Art Deco carpet. Chinese carpets also include small scatters from Tibet, with high quality wool, floating dragons and allover textile patterns. The colors of vintage and modern pieces are bright, but there are antique small rugs...

1920s Chinese Art Deco Carpet with a purple color background ( 8'10" x 11'4" - 270 x 345 )

A 2nd quarter of the 20th Century Tibetan Rug featuring an animal pictorial motif on an orange ground color Measures: 2'10" x 5'2''.

A stunning late 19th century Chinese Peking rug with a champagne colored field covered with pattern of auspicious flowers, bats, and scholar's objects scattered around a central phoe...

Hand-knotted wool circa 1925, a 9x12 antique Chinese art deco rug - latest to join Rug & Kilim’s antique collection. On the Design: This is a rare work from the Nichols style curat...

The pale abrashed straw field shows three identical oblate circle medallions, supported by a loose scatter fill of guls, S’s and lesser devices. The borders show cloud heads and slan...

Early 20th Century Chinese Peking Carpet ( 1'7'' x 2' - 48 x 61 cm )

Chinese - Ningxia, Size: 12' 9"x 13'0"

Made with hand-knotted wool and originating from East Turkestan circa 1910-1920, this 7x8 antique Khotan rug is a particularly special find among this celebrated provenance—a most un...

Hand-knotted in wool, this 8x9 rare antique Chinese Peking rug, circa 1850-1860, is one of the provenance’s most special pictorial rugs in the Rug & Kilim collection. On the Design...

This exquisite antique Chinese Art Deco rug is hand-knotted from high-quality wool. It features a deep blue background adorned with a multicolored floral design, elegantly framed by ...

A beautiful antique hand-knotted Chinese Nichols Art Deco large room size wool area rug China, Circa 1920s Brown field, with blue border and nice multi-colored floral design with u...

Tibetan Dragon design rug with wool and silk pile in style of Antique Imperial Chinese Kansu carpets 8 x 5.4 ft. A beautiful contemporary dra...

Early 20th Century Chinese Baotou Scholars Carpet ( 4' x 5'10" - 122 x 178 )

1920s Chinese Art Deco Carpet ( 6'2" x 8'9" - 188 x 267 )

Hand knotted in wool, a 9x12 Chinese art deco style rug inspired by rare period pieces of the 1920s Nichols style. On the Design: The design boasts an all over floral pattern in ...

A Tibetan Tiger rug, hand knotted in Nepal, silk and wool pile. This traditional Tiger rug design is typically found on antique rugs called Khaden. It describes a small sized rug of...

A chic early 20th century Chinese Mandarin rug with a pale orange field with a cream colored striped border with a central peony medallion with chrysanthe...

A magnificent and oversized example of an early 20th-century Walter Nichols Art Deco Chinese rug—truly one of the most beautiful and iconic rugs ever woven in China. In remarkably well-preserved, “like new” condition, this masterpiece has defied time with minimal wear, an extraordinary rarity for a rug over 100 years old. The central field features a serene and captivating pagoda design set against a rich blue background. Surrounding the central motif are delicately rendered butterflies and floral bouquets, evoking a sense of grace and harmony. Each corner of the field is adorned with vibrant imagery of birds, butterflies, and flowers, adding layers of narrative and visual interest. Framing this scene is a bold and luminous yellow border, beautifully decorated with repeating pagoda designs—tying the entire composition together in classic Art Deco fashion with a Chinese cultural flourish. This rug is a testament to the sophisticated design sensibility of the Walter Nichols studio and a rare opportunity to own a true treasure from China’s golden era of fine hand knotted rugs. Dimensions: 11’ 2” x 17’ 8” Date of Manufacture: 1st Quarter of the 1900s Place of Origin: China Material: Wool pile on a cotton foundation with natural vegetable dyes Condition: Excellent with a full pile The Persian Knot Gallery, SKU 1297 Walter Nichols Art Deco Chinese Rugs, Chinese Art Deco, Art Deco Nichols Rugs, Vintage Art Deco Rugs, Rugs Art Deco, Art Deco Nichols, Chinese Carpet Dragon, Nichols Deco Rugs, Chinese Art Deco Nichols, Nichols Art Deco Carpet, Chinese Floral Rugs, Chinese Peking Rugs, Peking Carpets, Antique Chinese Peking Carpets, Antique Peking Rug, Antique Peking Carpet, Chinese Rug Dragon...

Antique Circa 1923 Burgundy Chinese Art Deco Hand Knotted Rug 9' X 11'6. As the term implies, true Chinese Deco carpets were woven in a short...

Antique Chinese - Peking rug. Measures: 3'0" x 5'10".

With a minimalist floral pattern inspired by a rare botanical design with bamboo trees in green and blue, on a beige field and gold border, this 12x15 Chinese Art Deco rug is hand-kn...

The navy open field forms a striking backdrop to the writing branches coming in from the royal blue border. Vases and coins accent the border. The light tones of straw, pale blue, ...

Antique Chinese Art Deco rug. Measures: 8'10" x 11'6".

Discover the exquisite charm of this mid-20th century Chinese Khotan rug, featuring a captivating geometrical design in vibrant yellow, green, and red hues. Entirely hand-knotted wit...

An early 20th century fine quality Chinese animal pictorial rug featuring an anonymous blue elephant. 4'9'' x 7'8'' Decorative oriental, Chinese rugs and carpets...

This handwoven Chinese Deco rug has shaded shapes of soft blue, rust, sage and coral overlaid by an unexpected violet, orange, and yellow ge...

Chinese art deco rugs are rugs that combine elements of traditional Chinese art with the decorative style of Art Deco, an art and design movement that originated in the 1920s and 193...

This 19th century oversized Chinese Peking rug is a timeless masterpiece, showcasing the refined artistry of traditional Chinese weaving. Featuring a soft tan field, the rug is beautifully framed by a navy blue primary border and a French blue secondary border, creating a serene and elegant palette that compliments both classic and modern interiors. The field is adorned with delicate floral medallions and bird motifs, symbolic of harmony, peace, and natural beauty. Every element is thoughtfully arranged, offering a sense of rhythm and calm that enhances the spaciousness of larger rooms. Despite being over 120 years old, this rug remains in very good condition, a testament to its fine craftsmanship and quality materials. Its enduring beauty and scale make it an exceptional choice for grand living rooms, formal dining areas, libraries, or gallery-style spaces. A rare find in both size and design, this oversized Chinese Peking rug blends elegance, tradition, and functionality—perfect for collectors and connoisseurs of historic textile art. Dimensions: 10’ 10” x 14" 4” Date of Manufacture: 4th Quarter of the 1800s Place of Origin: China Material: Wool pile on a cotton foundation Condition: Wear consistent with age and use The Persian Knot, SKU: 2078 Vintage Tibetan Rugs, Tibetan Antique Rug, Tibet Antiques, Antique Tibetan Carpet, Antique Tibetan Carpets...

Beautiful mid century Chinese rug with an art deco style design and nice colours with a beige field, pink, orange, purple, green, grey and blue, entirely hand knotted with wool on co...

1920s Chinese Art Deco Carpet By Nichols Workshop 8' 6" x 10' 6'' - 260 x 320

This mid-20th century Chinese Art Deco rug, measuring 5' 10" x 8' 7", features a striking composition with a deep burgundy field that exudes warmth and elegance. The spacious central...

Beautiful antique Peking Chinese hand-knotted wool rug with a navy blue field and multi-color accents all-over traditional Chinese dragon design. This rug measures 3'1" x 7'10".

74843, vintage Tibetan rug with checkered square pattern and modern style. This vintage Tibetan rug with checkered square pattern and modern style features alternating large-scale sq...

Antique Khotan Samarkand Rug 4'6 x 6'6. This antique Khotan from China is a geometrically designed beauty. Woven in cream dark chocolate and rose this rug displays its elegance in th...

1920s Chinese Art Deco Carpet ( 5'7" x 8'4" - 170 x 244 )

1930s Chinese Art Deco Carpet ( 8' x 10'2" - 245 x 310 )

Designed by Adam Charlap Hyman and inspired by 17th-century cabinets of curiosity, Tigre is a fanciful, uniquely modern take on a tiger trophy rug. Featuring black and natural-colored stripes formed from hand-coiled abaca...

70718 Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug, 03'00 x 04'10. Emanating the quiet elegance of a bygone era, this hand-knotted wool antique Chinese Art Deco rug unfolds like a page from a poetic...

A Tibetan Tiger rug, hand knotted in Nepal, silk and wool pile. This traditional Tiger rug design is typically found on antique rugs called Khaden. It describes a small sized rug of...

1920s Chinese Art Deco Carpet ( 11' 2''x 14' 2'' - 340 x 432 cm )

Early 20th Century Chinese Peking Carpet ( 8'1'' x 9'7'' - 245 x 292 )

Handmade in wool, a delicious 8x10 needlepoint rug from Rug & Kilim’s coveted European style rug collection. This transitional rug enjoys an awe inspiring floral pattern in beige-bro...

Chinese Sinkiang Geometric Rug, Khotan Xinjiang Province (East Turkestan). A carpet of dyed wool pile on a cotton foundation, a mixed berry palette in hues of purple, salmon, red, an...

An unveiling from the modern Kilim selections in the Kilim & flat-weave collection from Rug & Kilim-here celebrating a 6 x 8 Kilim from the works of Teddy ...

Premium ultra soft 1/4" pile with non-slip padded backing. 6' x 9' New Origin: China Field Color: Burnt-Orange Border Color: Blue Accent Colors: Blue, Ivory, Black, Yellow Tu...

A modern East Turkestan Khotan room size carpet handmade during the 21st century. Measures: 8' 2" x 10' 0".

Beautiful antique Chinese Art Deco rug, a hand knotted wool rug with a red field, and multi-color accents in an all-over Classic Chinese floral design, This rug measures: 9' x 11'8".

Silk Heriz Design Rug 20 x 16 ft , Contemporary Rug in Silk by Djoharian Design A beautiful contemporary modernized Persian design hand knotted rug using finest wool and silk in 16 ...

1930s Chinese Art Deco Carpet ( 11'10" - 17'4" - 360 x 528 )

1920s Chinese Art Deco Carpet ( 3'1" x 5'10" - 94 x 178 )

Originating from China, this contemporary runner is hand knotted with durable, high quality wool depicting a patchwork Ghana design, featuring an array of protective hand and medalli...

Long 1920s Chinese runner with a solid open field design with floral motifs in beige with a lovely floral border in navy and light blue. Excellent condition. Measures: 3' x 19'3".

This floor mat once occupied a tribal long house of the Dayak Tribe of Borneo. It is made from woven dyed and natural coloured rattan fibres & features tri...

Antique Chinese Peking Rug, Size: 9'3" x 14'0"

Pretty vintage Chinese rug with nice design in Chinese and art deco style and beautiful colours with a green and white field, entirely hand knotted with wool on cotton foundation ✨...

Originating from China, this contemporary runner is hand knotted with durable, high quality wool depicting a patchwork Ghana design, featuring an array of protective hand and medalli...

A beautiful contemporary abstract modern design rug, hand knotted using finest Chinese mulberry silk in 8 x 6 ft size. By Djoharian Design. Modern desiger rug Qashqai Lion...

Two vases on stands with peony branches and two fragrance emitting censers, along with two bats, decorate the pale pink open field of this 1930’s Art Deco...

Annapurna carpets by Bartoli design are hand knotted in Himalayan undyed wool, hand knotted with 60 knots per sqm Special treatments are reserved for this kind of material, and it g...