Rug - 307 cm - 247 cm

Rare Art Deco Tianjin Rug (China), circa 1930
- Provenance: Collection of General Victor Dardet

EXPERTISE & HISTORICAL INVENTORY SHEET
DESIGNATION: Large mid-room rug in Chinese Art Deco style.
ORIGIN: China, Tianjin (Tientsin) workshops.
AGE: Circa 1925 - 1930.

Dimensions & Technical Characteristics
• Length: 307 cm (fringes included).
• Width: 247 cm.
• Surface: About 6.1 m2 (excluding fringes) 7.6 m2 on the floor.
• Velvet thickness: 2 cm (exceptional thickness indicating no structural wear).
• Composition: Velvet made of pure Mongolian wool, of a large sheen, hand-knotted on cotton foundations.
• Special technique: Hand carving (carving) with a chisel around the motifs to create a three-dimensional relief.

Decorative & Symbolic Analysis
Rug with a central field in beige/champagne, adorned with an asymmetric motif of heraldic peacocks (or phoenixes) perched on stylized rocks, surrounded by flowering branches and pomegranates (symbols of prosperity and offspring).

At the four corners of the field stands the ideographic character 壽 (Shou), traditional symbol of longevity and health.

The wide navy blue (indigo) border integrates landscape cartouches animated with junks, traditional pavilions and precious literati attributes (scrolls and flowering vases). The color palette (champagne, indigo, sky blue, golden yellow and old rose) is emblematic of Tianjin prestige productions during the Art Deco period.

History & Provenance (Certified Provenance)
• Original collection: Grandfather of my wife, General Victor Dardet (1903-1989), Grand Officer of the Légion d’Honneur (1964).
• History: Brought directly from Tianjin (China) in 1930 by General Dardet while he held the position of Military Comptroller for the Colonies (posting period 1927-1930).

• The link with General de Gaulle (1964):
• The historical note mentions an "Homage by de Gaulle in 1964 to Guadeloupe.” This date corresponds precisely to the famous official visit of President Charles de Gaulle to Guadeloupe (and Martinique) in March 1964, a period of major political tensions when the central state paid strong tributes to the great servants of the Republic and the local colonial administration. General Dardet, as one of these key figures, this rug is directly tied to that historical memory.
• Reference document: Museum historical inventory sheet and period photographs confirming provenance.

Condition
Excellent overall condition. The velvet has retained its density and original height (2 cm). The edges and fringes are healthy and complete. Natural and regular patina from use on the light field, no visible restorations.
Cleaning required.