Rug shows Persian influence in the treatment of the tree form, which rises from rocks and covers the entire field with spreading branches.
On either side of the rocks are spotted deer, one of which holds a spray of sacred fungus in his mouth.
A corrosive band surrounds the rug, and the colors, design and weave testify to its eighteenth century origin.
Here we find the tree peony with the blossoms drawn in two ways, both of which are found in regular designs and are only different drawings of the same flower. The tree as such in Chinese rugs is extremely rare. As drawn in this rug, animals appear at its base.
The significance is mythological and without doubt the intention is to denote the preference shown for special trees, fruits, etc., by the sacred animals. Here we find the deer with a spray of longevity fungus in his mouth as chosen food. Large butterflies feed on the leaves of the tree. In color this rug is most pleasing.
The field of fawn color carries the tree and leaves in yellow tan.
The blossoms, some of them, are light and some dark blue. Others are of varying shades of tan. The borders are harmonious and do not show the strong contrasts that sometimes prove disturbing.
