Oversized Antique Chinese Peking Rug in Navy Blue With Pictorials - Rug & Kilim

Details

Description

Made with hand-knotted wool and originating from China, this 11x13 oversized antique Peking rug features an intricate symbolic pictorial design … Read more Made with hand-knotted wool and originating from China, this 11x13 oversized antique Peking rug features an intricate symbolic pictorial design with Buddhist and Taoist motifs on a midnight-blue field framed by a formal ivory border—an exciting new curation from Rug & Kilim’s collection of late 19th century rugs.

On the Design:

Exemplifying pictorial traditions of late 19th century imperial workshop productions, this design centers on a distinctive hourglass-shaped medallion rendered in ivory with detailed scale patterns and internal floral motifs, likely representing a stylized Buddhist endless knot symbol. Surrounding this central element is a complex arrangement of auspicious symbols and narrative vignettes scattered across the deep blue field in a deliberate asymmetrical composition. Notable motifs include court figures, elephants with riders, vases, floral arrangements, and various Buddhist and Taoist emblems including ruyi scepters and cloud formations.The branching ivory-colored linear elements create structural organization across the field, connecting various pictorial elements while suggesting a cosmic or landscape framework.

The border employs a formal arrangement with an ivory ground hosting Buddhist emblems and stylized floral motifs, punctuated by blue diamond patterns at the corners and midpoints. Calligraphic cartouches appear at the top and bottom borders, likely containing auspicious inscriptions or dedications. The restricted palette—predominantly indigo, ivory, and selective pale blue accents—creates visual coherence. This rug represents the refined aesthetic sensibilities of late Qing dynasty textile production, when traditional Chinese iconography was being systematically codified within imperial workshop contexts while maintaining connections to Buddhist and Taoist symbolic traditions. Admirers of the craft will appreciate it as an extremely collectible piece, an exemplar of the elements that make Peking rugs so distinct from other Oriental and Chinese rugs today—elegant works of a reserved palette like few others seen today.

Condition:

This antique Peking rug further enjoys good condition for its age and origin—a gorgeous collectible of vast design applications. See less