Chinese Art Deco Carpets

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Manufactured in China in the 1920’s and 1930’s, many of these carpets combined traditional Chinese motifs with much more open, often asymmetrical, designs and unusual colour combinations. They represented a marked departure from the traditional Chinese weavings up to that point, catering for American and European tastes of the period, in particular the burgeoning Art Deco movement. 

One of the pioneers in this style was Walter Nichols, an American who worked in Tientsin (Tianjin) in the early 1920’s as a wool grader. After encountering a leading american rug dealer (and discussing the difficulties in getting carpets for American tastes), Walter set up his own carpet weaving factory in 1924, supplying the US and other western markets. 

At it’s peak, Walter’s company had 14 factories in China and many other companies sprang up making similarly inspired carpets, but then faced bankruptcy due to the Great Depression of the 1930’s and then the advent of the Second World War.

These carpets remain in high demand and are fabulous items to decorate a room. Here are a few that we currently have in stock:

Featured
Antique Chinese Art Deco Carpet 3.02m x 2.16m
Antique Chinese Art Deco Carpet 3.02m x 2.16m
£3,500.00

A stunning Art Deco carpet, handwoven in China circa 1920 with an unusual design depicting the eight symbols of Buddhism on a raspberry red field and blue border. For more information on the symbols, please visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashtamangala

Size: 3.02m x 2.16m (9ft 11in x 7ft 1in)

This rug is in good condition with light, age related wear. It has been professionally cleaned but there are a few barely visible surface marks (see photos). Fringes and selvedges are original and secure.

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