Chinese and East Asian Rugs

An antique Chinese Ningxia square throw rug handmade during the early 20th century. Measures: 2' 3" x 2' 4" 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...

A vintage Chinese pictorial accent rug handmade during the mid-20th century of horses prancing in a field over a dark midnight blue background. Measures: 4' 0" x 6' 6".

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...

1920s Chinese Art Deco Carpet ( 6' X 8'6" - 183 x 260 cm )

Hand knotted on a luscious 9 x 12 scale from China circa 1950-1960, this vintage Art Deco rug hails from Rug & Kilim’s coveted Antique & Vintage Collection. R...

77435 antique Antique Chinese Palace rug with Persian Tabriz style. With timeless appeal, refined colors, and architectural design elements, this ha...

Elegant, rare, and rich in cultural symbolism, this early 20th-century Chinese Art Deco rug features a striking French blue field framed by a deep navy border, creating a sophisticated and serene color palette that elevates any interior. At the center soars a majestic Phoenix, a powerful symbol of rebirth and renewal. The corners and borders are adorned with delicate flower vase motifs, paired with a collection of traditional Chinese symbols representing life, happiness, and longevity. The rug’s harmonious blend of navy, baby blue, red, purple, and soft pink accent colors brings warmth and vibrancy without overwhelming its refined Art Deco simplicity. Celebrated for their bold yet balanced aesthetic, Chinese Art Deco rugs like this one have become highly sought after for their timeless design and unique color combinations. Ideal for a grand living room, formal dining space, or elegant gallery setting, this oversize rug makes a bold statement rooted in tradition and artistry. Dimensions: 10’ x 16’ 4” Date of Manufacture: 1st Quarter of the 1900s Place of Origin: China Material: Wool pile on a cotton foundation Condition: Wear consistent with age and use The Persian Knot, SKU: 2147 Art Deco Chinese, Chinese Art Deco, Art Deco Rugs, Antique Peking Rugs, Vintage Art Deco Rugs, Rugs Art Deco, Art Deco Nichols, Chinese Carpet Dragon...

Beautiful antique Chinese Art Deco rug, hand knotted wool with a goldenrod field, red frame in a subtle all-over Classic Chinese floral design. This rug measures: 8'8" x 11'5".  

Antique Chinese Peking rug. Size: 8'0" x 9'10".

1920s Chinese Art Deco Carpet ( 9'6" x 13'2" - 290 x 402 )

An incredible early 20th century Chinese Art Deco rug with a rich crimson field surrounded by a thin gold inner border and a wide dark indigo border. Overlaid across the entire field...

1930s Chinese Art Deco Carpet ( 9' x 12' - 275 x 365 )

A sweet early 20th century Chinese Art Deco rug with beautiful pattern containing myriad chrysanthemums and lotus blossoms on a dark green background surrounded by a wide border cont...

Introducing our splendid of Imperial garden Chinese art deco rug, where artistry intertwines with symbolism. The enchanting jade multi color field hosts a majestic garden of Life...

A rare example of Ningxia Chinese throne back cover of Imperial quality in pristine condition. A true gem distinguished by a plethora of shades of red, blue...

77408 Antique Chinese Peking Rug with Chinoiserie Style and Pagoda Design 08'03 x 09'07. This hand-knotted wool antique Chinese Peking rug features a large pictorial scene of a pagod...

Mid-18th Century W. Chinese Ningxia Carpet ( 13'6" x 13'10" - 411 x 422 )

1920s Chinese Art Debackground measuring 9' x 11'9" Green background with yellow border.

Beautiful antique Chinese Art Deco rug, hand knotted wool with a dark-blue field, orange and red frame in a subtle all-over Classic Chinese floral design. This rug measures: 7" x 9'7".

Antique Chinese - Peking rug, size: 9'0" x 11'6".

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

Premium ultra soft 1/4" pile with non-slip padded backing. 3' x 5' New Origin: China Field Color: Burnt-Orange Border Color: Blue Accent Colors: Blue, Ivory, Black, Yellow Tu...

The semi-open burgundy field displays a large exuberantly flowering paeony plant at one end, with attendant vases and flowering stems. Matching floral bouquets ornament the other two...

1930s Square Chinese Art Deco Carpet ( 11'8" x 12' - 355 x 365 cm )

Antique Chinese Art Deco rug with pink color background, size: 8'9" x 11'6".

Inspired by graphic Art Deco motifs, the Raleigh Collection features a fabulous range of hand-coiled abaca designs with unparalleled artistry and incompar...

Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug, Size: 4'2"x6'10"

Six exploding floral bouquets are positioned on islands of dark blue or green on the deep red virtually border less field. Two butterflies flutter about. There is a distinctly three-...

Modern Tibetan/Nepalese wool and silk rug with all-over design with flowers and leaves, Nepalese modern rug in gray. Keivan Woven Arts / rug 19-082...

A petite Chinese Art Deco rug with a solid dark cranberry field surrounded by a wide gray border, and all overlaid with a multicolored peony pattern.

Antique Chinese Bao Tou rug, size: 2'0" x 3'8".

1920s Round Chinese Art Deco Carpet ( 3' x 3' - 92 x 92 cm )

This unique antique Tibetan Khaden rug, woven in the early 20th century, presents a rare fusion of traditional Himalayan weaving with floral motifs more commonly associated with Anat...

77101, a surrealist style tapestry after Joan Miro's 'Femme et Oiseaux' Woman and Birds, 1966. The painting was the last of a series the artist comple...

1920s Chinese Art Deco Carpet ( 8' 11'' x 11' 7" - 272 x 353 cm )

1920s Chinese Art Deco Carpet ( 9' x 11' - 275 x 335 )

Dragon Rug Wool and Silk in Imperial Style of Antique Chinese Kansu Carpet 5 claw dragons 8 x 5.4 ft A beautiful antique Imperial Dragon design rug, hand knotted using finest Chines...

78313 Distressed Antique Chinese peking rug, 09.02 x 15.01. With its rugged beauty and rustic sensibility, this hand knotted wool antique Chinese Peking rug will take on a curated li...

53820 Antique Chinese Peking Rug, 10'05 x 14'09. Chinoiserie chic meets quiet sophistication in this hand knotted wool distressed antique Chinese Peking rug. Let yourself be whisked...

A sweet early 20th century Chinese Art Deco rug with a large vase in one corner, potted with multi-colored peonies, chrystanthemums, and cherry blossoms, and all set against a gold b...

Late 18th Century Chinese Ningxia Carpet ( 13'6" x 16'6" - 412 x 503 )

Handwoven 9 x 12 flat-weave joins the European Collection by Rug & Kilim—this design paying homage to Aubusson Kilim patterns of renown in the history of handmade European carpet tra...

A very fine Art Deco Chinese carpet, circa 1920. Cream background and blue decoration. Measures: cm 530 x 310 Proveniente from an Italian aristocratic estate.

Hand-knotted in wool, this 9x12 European rug in beige is the first iteration of this design to be in high-and-low texture. Featuring green and pink floral patterns with red and cream...

1920s Pair of Chinese Art Deco Carpets (4'4'' x 6'1'' - 132 x 185 )

78072 Vintage Chinese Hooked Seascape Pictorial Rug, 02'06 x 03'11. Chinese hooked rugs, also known as Chinese deco rugs or Chinese Art Deco rugs, are decorative rugs originating from China and popularized during the 1920s and 1930s Art Deco period. They are characterized by bold geometric patterns, vibrant colors and exotic motifs inspired by traditional Chinese art such as dragons and pagodas. These rugs are typically made in provinces like Ningxia and Inner Mongolia, as well as cities like Beijing and Tianjin, and are valued by collectors for their historical significance and distinctive aesthetic appeal. ​Combining the charm of a coastal cottage with the timeless allure of classic farmhouse aesthetics, this vintage hooked seascape pictorial rug sets a serene tone reminiscent of seaside escapes. Its abrashed blue field serves as the canvas for a delightful seascape pictorial, featuring an array of marine life including kissing fish...

1920s Chinese Art Deco Oval Carpet ( 4' x 6'10" - 122 x 208 )

78285 Vintage Wool & Silk Chinese Tabriz rug with European Cottage Style 9'08 x 13'05. Ornate details and effortless beauty with romantic connotations, this hand knotted wool and sil...

Hand-knotted in wool, this 8x11 European rug has been inspired by English Tudor rugs and tapestries but a particular style among them once called armorial carpets. The design feature...

78123 Vintage Chinese Peking Rug with Chinoiserie Style 04'00 x 06'08. With its effortless beauty and timeless Chinoiserie style, this hand-knotted wool vintage Chinese Peking rug wi...

The earliest records of a solar and lunar eclipse in ancient Chinese history date from 2165–1137 BC. The Moon is a symbol in Chinese philosophy and arts rather than simply a planet i...

A wonderful early 20th century Chinese pictorial Art Deco rug featuring a scholar's pavilion perched on an outcropping in a garden landscape with a pond in the foreground, a bridge w...

A pair of early 20th century Chinese Art Deco oval rugs, each with a flowering cherry blossom tree growing from within a scholar's rock in each corne...

1930s Chinese Art Deco Runner Carpet ( 3' x 11' - 90 x 335 )

A beautiful 20th century Chinese Peking rug with a central floral medallion against a dark abrash indigo background, and surrounded by a wide stylized lotus and scrolling vine patter...

Hand knotted in wool, an 8x10 Chinese art deco style rug inspired by rare period pieces of the 1920s Nichols style. On the Design: The design boasts a bold open field from this p...

A vintage Chinese Art Deco rug handmade during the mid-20th century predominantly in red, green, and antique white, and with accent colors in silver, beige, pink, blue, and orange , ...

1920s Chinese Art Deco Rug by Nichols Workshop ( 4' x 6'8'' - 122 x 203 )