ABOVE: A fine and rare late 19th century Chinese Peking Carpet.
Circa 1890
Dimensions: 356 × 282 cm (website number 293)
Chinese Rugs and Carpets
The art of rug making in China reached its peak between the 16th and 19th centuries, with many individual styles evolving from different regions. Chinese rugs, while still considered oriental, differ from many other types originating from these areas.
In China, beauty and design would often prevail over the finesse of the rug. The result of this would often be courser knotting than other oriental rugs. Quality woollen antique weavings from China are rare and their historical interest often makes them a worthwhile financial investment.
The symbols and designs used in Chinese rugs are different from their contemporaries. Unlike many rugs, the Chinese use symbols for decoration and these often have specific meanings. Dragons and ornamental art from each region are an emblem of Chinese rug weaving. Other symbols often used include birds, exotic flowers, and scenes of mountains. The Chinese characters for “longevity” and “good fortune” are also quite commonly incorporated into the designs of the rugs. While hand-made Chinese rugs were crafted beautifully for hundreds of years, the 20th century brought a more western influence that eroded the quality and design in some of these rugs. Therefore, the modern Chinese rugs can be vastly different from their antique counterparts. Old style rugs range from quite finely woven to very coarsely woven and have short pile unlike the heavier, tight, weave of the modern Chinese piece. Antique Chinese rugs bring to mind blue and orange colouring but many of the older ones used red cherry, apricot and yellow.
We feature here a selection of highly desirable Chinese carpets.
ABOVE: A fine and rare mid 19th century Chinese Rug from the Ningxia district.
Circa 1850
Dimensions: 249 × 165 cm (website number 283)
ABOVE: A fine and decorative early 20th century Art Deco Chinese Carpet.
Circa 1920
Dimensions: 473 × 371 cm (website number 034)
Chinese rugs are some of the most collectible in the world today. Much of their popularity stems from the fact that they have a different style than other rugs of similar age. Their unique look makes them sought after by both collectors and consumers.
ABOVE: A fine and rare late 19th century Chinese Peking Carpet.
Circa 1890
Dimensions: 356 × 282 cm (website number 020)
A Chinese rug is an artful addition to any home, and a quality hand-woven rug will last for years to come. If you would like to purchase one of these beautiful pieces, please contact us to arrange a viewing.