Antique Chinese Silk Tapestry, Elegant Florals and Birds on Black - Rug & Kilim

Details

Description

Handwoven with a luxurious embroidered silk circa 1920-1930, this 6x7 antique Chinese tapestry is a precious piece newly curated for … Read more Handwoven with a luxurious embroidered silk circa 1920-1930, this 6x7 antique Chinese tapestry is a precious piece newly curated for Rug & Kilim’s Tapestry & Textile collection. A profound work of early-Chinese-Deco textile art, it’s a particularly uncommon find for its bold black ground in addition to its outstanding quality—a luminous window into a period of oriental splendor, where every stitch was a deliberate act of artistry and a testament to the weaver's patience.

On the Design:

This whimsical design captures a fleeting moment in a celestial garden, featuring elegant florals bending gracefully with the wind as if swaying to a silent, ancient melody. Flanking these lush chrysanthemums is a series of birds in flight—most likely hummingbirds, given their intimate relationship to the blossoms and the iridescent precision of their plumage.

There is a breathtaking linework and depth in the colors at play here, showcasing a deftness of hand that transforms silk thread into a living, breathing landscape.

What is perhaps most striking is the dramatic positive-negative interplay created by the vibrant spring palette set against a profound, midnight-black ground. This bold choice not only lends the piece a commanding presence but also represents a radical departure from the earthy brown and gold tones typical of this lineage.

The black silk acts as a velvet sky, allowing the soft creams, muted greens, and earthy terracottas to pop with an almost cinematic clarity. This rare pictorial piece is a labor of love and a sophisticated homage to nature, offering a unique, avant-garde spirit that remains entirely timeless.

Condition:


Enjoys overall good condition for its age and origin, though it has an additional lining as the keen eye will note in the reverse—intended for wall-hanging purposes as a tapestry only. See less