Antique Chinese Art Deco Round Rug Mat — 1920s | 2'5" × 2'7"

2'5" x 2'7"

$860.00

Antique Chinese Art Deco Round Rug Mat — 1920s | 2'5" × 2'7"

The Xiaolong

★★★★★ 4.9 STAR SELLER RATING

An heirloom rug from the Art Deco collection

Antique Chinese Art Deco Round Rug Mat — 1920s | 2'5" × 2'7"

$860.00

Authentic Antique

Chinese handmade

professionally cleaned

The Antique Chinese Art Deco Round Rug Mat is an early 20th-century hand-knotted wool piece that brings symbolic power, pictorial artistry, and refined restraint into intimate spaces. Woven in China circa the 1920s, this round-format rug depicts a four-legged, five-toed dragon surrounded by drifting clouds and blossoming forms—mythic, balanced, and quietly commanding.

Origin: China
Age: Antique, circa 1920s
Type: Round rug mat
Construction: Hand-knotted
Pile: Wool pile
Use: Indoor
Size: 2'5" × 2'7"

Each rug is handcrafted and timeworn. Variations in drawing, proportion, and wear are inherent to antique handmade rugs and reflect authenticity rather than imperfection.

Description

Xiaolong presents a pictorial dragon motif, rendered with four legs and five toes—an imperial symbol traditionally associated with strength, protection, and cosmic balance. The dragon coils through an open field, surrounded by drifting clouds and blossoming forms that soften its power with grace.

The composition is carefully balanced within the round format, allowing movement to circulate rather than radiate outward. The dragon’s posture feels watchful rather than aggressive, creating a sense of contained energy.

The palette is restrained and atmospheric, blending oxidized silver, sandalwood, pale terracotta, ivory, and platinum. These muted tones lend the rug a sculptural quality, emphasizing form and symbolism over color contrast.

Small in scale but rich in meaning, Xiaolong functions as a talismanic accent—ideal for entryways, meditation spaces, or layered interiors where symbolism and narrative presence matter.

History

Chinese Art Deco rugs emerged in the early 20th century as a synthesis of traditional Chinese symbolism and modernist restraint. Unlike dense narrative carpets of earlier eras, these rugs favored open compositions and softened palettes.

Dragons—especially five-toed dragons—were historically reserved for imperial use, symbolizing authority, protection, and harmony between heaven and earth.

Antique Chinese pictorial rugs from the 1920s are prized today for their quiet power, cultural symbolism, and ability to integrate seamlessly into both classical and contemporary interiors.

About the Name

Xiaolong (小龙) translates to “Little Dragon” in Chinese—a name associated with latent strength, discipline, and inner power.

The name is famously tied to Bruce Lee, whose Chinese name was Lee Xiaolong. Bruce Lee embodied the philosophy of controlled force, adaptability, and quiet mastery—qualities deeply aligned with the dragon motif depicted here.

This rug reflects that same energy: powerful yet composed, symbolic rather than aggressive, and deeply intentional in its presence.

Xiaolong is a piece that does not dominate a room—it commands it quietly.

Materials & Composition

Primary material: Wool
Construction: Hand-knotted
Dye method: Traditional hand-dyed yarns
Edges: Original side cord selvages, intact or professionally restored
Finish: Fully secured sides and ends

Condition Details

This antique Chinese Art Deco rug is in good, stable condition consistent with its age and use. The wool pile shows mostly even wear down to the knot heads, with areas of foundation visible.

Most of the original side cord selvages remain intact or have been professionally restored. The sides and ends are fully secured.

The rug has been recently professionally cleaned and is ready for immediate in-home use.

Care Instructions

Vacuum gently using suction only. Avoid beater bars and rotating brushes.

Use a quality rug pad to prevent movement.

For deep cleaning, consult a professional rug cleaner experienced with antique and pictorial rugs.

FAQ

Is this rug one of a kind?
Yes. Each antique Chinese pictorial rug is unique in imagery, drawing, and symbolism.

What does the five-toed dragon signify?
It traditionally symbolizes imperial authority, protection, and balance.

Is the rug ready for use?
Yes. This rug has been professionally cleaned and is ready for immediate placement.

The Leonidas Collection is proud to offer carbon neutral shipping on most heirloom rug purchases.

Shipping is calculated at checkout and includes handling and insurance.
Select rugs ship free within the continental U.S.
Oversized items ship via freight carrier (curbside delivery).
Shipping fees are non-refundable.
Damage or delivery issues must be reported within 48 hours.

Heirloom rugs (including vintage & antique) are returnable within 3 days of delivery, unless otherwise noted.
Heirloom rugs purchased on sale or with a discount are final sale.
Contemporary rugs are returnable within 14 days of delivery, unless otherwise noted.
Return authorization is required.

Please review the full details of our Return & Refund Policy for more information.

We encourage customers to contact us at hello@leonidascollection.com with any questions prior to purchase to ensure confidence in your selection.

★★★★★ 4.9 STAR SELLER RATING

"Worth every penny! This is the kind of purchase you never regret." - Selena W.

ORIGIN STORY

The Art Deco Collection

Xiaolong is an antique Chinese Art Deco rug distinguished by symbolic imagery, restrained palettes, and refined pictorial composition. Woven in early 20th-century China, these rugs represent a unique convergence of ancient iconography and modern design sensibility.

Chinese Art Deco rugs are celebrated for their mythological motifs—dragons, clouds, and celestial symbols—rendered with balance and restraint. Often produced in softer tones and open layouts, they function as contemplative accent pieces, bringing cultural depth, symbolism, and quiet power to both classic interiors and thoughtfully modern spaces.