The unique painterly effect seen in northern Chinese weavings, like this Art Deco rug with an abstract pattern, comes from blending different proportions of ivory and colored wools. Most of these rugs were sourced directly from China, suggesting they were likely created for local use rather than for export. Typically, these rugs are small and often feature longevity ideograms or other auspicious symbols. It’s fascinating to consider what inspired the weavers to create such distinctly abstract and modern designs.