Chinese Art Deco
Chinese Art Deco circa 1930
Measures: 10 ft. 1 inch x 8 ft 1 inch
Acquired from a Sydney estate
This genre of hard-wearing carpets has gained significant designer and consumer interest over the past ten or more years. We acquired this piece in Sydney recently for its uncommon soft pastel colours and especially its fine artistry and hand etching of classic Chinese design elements. In our opinion as art dealers this fine piece strikes the right balance between space and graceful embroidery/patterns we seek in an ideal example . The understated mauve and pale green combine to create a soothing sense of calm acting as a base for the fine embroidery, which please examine.
In truth the oft used title of this type of carpet is a misnomer – they are not, design wise, art deco. They only happened to be made in the 1920’s and mainly the 1930's - coincident to the Art Deco movement which stressed minimal and forceful angular images, like the architecture of the same name. True Art deco carpets are very rare and costly , and feature austere, minimalist designs . But the name has stuck, and at least is accurate as to the period .
The Chinese look , a collaborative style, took off and was popular primarily in America and Europe during this period . Key designers such as Walter Nichols worked during the time with weavers and small manufacturers in China .
In recent years this genre of carpet in good condition has been steadily appreciating , and is thus an actual investment ; good examples are increasingly difficult to find , and they do represent a period of specific artistry which has not been successfully duplicated . At 90`-100 years of age they are approaching the " antique" category .
This piece was purchased from the owner of one of northern Sydney's 60-70 distinguished Art Deco homes where it looked beautiful, offset by an AD fireplace( angular, austere) surround in marble colours ( predominately pinks and greens ) which "mirrored " the carpet .
Though it is a matter of personal taste, of course, the muted pastel colours in this piece are more elegant and dignified than many of the more bright -even garish - examples found in this genre , in our opinion, and much harder to find - one criterion for investment value .
Also, such a carpet will work well in a wider variety of environments, stylistically, from an interior design perspective: whether living, dining, games room, library , large foyer or bedroom . In other words, one does not need a " Chinese" or Asian themed overall design for this piece to wonderfully complement the decor - in the way that a single Chinese wall scroll...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Australia