Description

Chinese

Carpets made in China proper. See entries Ningshia, Peking, Art Deco.

Chinese - Art Deco

As the name implies, pieces woven between the wars for the Western market by mostly American owned firms especially Nichols and Fette, in thick heavy weaves using strong colors, asymmetric patterns and downplaying the Chinese-ness of the carpet. Nichols rugs are more strong toned than the pastel Fette. Most were woven in the coastal port city of Tientsin. Other lesser known workshops were also active. Some pieces are ultra-geometric and haute-Deco moderne in character: these are very rare. More frequent are pieces with bits of Chinese ornament: vases or other precious objects, paeonies, vines, fences, etc. Most common is the 9’ x 12’ size, in colors never found in mainstream Chinese rugs: backgrounds in black, mauve, purple, hot pink, orange, olive, employing the best synthetic chrome dyes of the period. Prices are still reasonable and carpets in top condition are available.