This exquisite chocolate-brown antique Nichols Chinese rug from the 1930s is a rare and exquisite find. Crafted with meticulous care, the rug’s vegetable-dyed wool is healthy, lustrous, that is warm and inviting. The wool retains its natural lanolin oils, giving it an unparalleled softness and sheen. Its full pile—plush, dense, and luxurious— it's got a grand weight to the rug that's enormously heavy, a hallmark of high-quality craftsmanship and preservation. This rug was woven not just for beauty but for endurance, and it remains in near mint condition today.
What makes this piece especially intriguing is that it breaks away from traditional design conventions. Borderless by design, it presents a vast open field where delicate, exotic flowers bloom, almost as if they are floating across the surface. The absence of a border creates a sense of openness and flow, making it a perfect fit for spaces that seek to feel airy and unrestricted.
Upon closer inspection, the rug reveals intricate outlines woven in the same chocolate ground color, adding subtle depth and texture. This embossed-like effect depicts symbolic motifs—with references to Chinese artistry and nature—which were expertly woven into the wool, and has given the rug an additional layer of meaning and symbolism. These designs are not immediately apparent, inviting viewers to engage with the rug over time, slowly discovering its hidden intricacies. This is the only rug in the BPR collection with this amazing craftsmanship.
This stunning antique rug is attributed to Walter Nichols, a name that is synonymous with high-quality Chinese art rugs from the early 20th century. Walter Nichols, an American entrepreneur, established a workshop in Tientsin (Tianjin), China, where these iconic rugs were produced, predominantly during the 1920s and 1930s. His work was revolutionary for the time, blending traditional Chinese motifs with modern design elements to appeal to Western tastes. Nichols rugs became particularly sought after for their luxuriously soft, thick wool, dyed with natural, vegetable-based dyes, and their rich colors, which have stood the test of time. Unlike many Persian and Oriental rugs of that era, Nichols pieces often featured minimalist, open fields without borders, focusing instead on ornamental, floating floral patterns like those seen in this rug. The floral motifs themselves, like the exotic blossoms here, reflect a Chinese reverence for nature, prosperity, and renewal—themes that resonate deeply within traditional Chinese culture.
A treasure like this rug carries not just beauty but history and legacy. It embodies the artistry and expertise of the weavers, the spirit of the sheep whose wool gives it life, and the care taken to preserve it through the decades. Whether laid across the floor or showcased as a wall piece, this rug will anchor any home with a sense of refinement, warmth, and storytelling.
Want to see this rug and some of it's details in action?:
Handwoven with vegetable dyed wool. Extended at an amazing value! Thank you for shopping small.
Exact size: 8'11 x 11'11
Handwoven with vegetable dyed wool. Extended at an amazing value! Thank you for shopping small.
:: Please consider a rug pad for this old beauty, to keep it protected and wiggle free. Click below if you want to add one at BPR and we will custom cut it to size:
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