Antique Chinese Imperial Peking Rug, 02'07 X 04'01

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61489 Antique Chinese Peking Rug, 02'07 x 04'01.

The Phoenix Ascendancy: An Imperial Peking Masterpiece of Celestial Balance

Woven as … Read more 61489 Antique Chinese Peking Rug, 02'07 x 04'01.

The Phoenix Ascendancy: An Imperial Peking Masterpiece of Celestial Balance

Woven as a poetic tribute to cosmic order and imperial virtue, this antique Chinese Peking rug unfolds like a courtly scroll from a bygone dynasty. A warm tan field glows softly beneath a crimson sun—an ancient symbol of life force and auspicious yang energy—casting its benevolent presence across the composition. This is not merely a rug, but a ceremonial landscape, conceived to harmonize space, spirit, and power within the most refined interiors of Imperial China.

At the heart of the design, a regal pair of mythical phoenixes (Fenghuang) glide above a sacred mountain, an exalted pairing reserved for the empress and emperor. Together, these symbols speak to harmony, prosperity, and a stable reign—yin and yang held in perfect balance. Surrounding them, lush peonies proclaim wealth and honor, bamboo stands resolute in quiet strength and longevity, while chrysanthemums—flowers of autumn—whisper of wisdom, endurance, and a golden life well lived. Ruyi clouds drift throughout, promising happiness and the fulfillment of one’s highest wishes.

The craftsmanship is nothing short of extraordinary. Hand-knotted in precious silk and wool, with luminous gold thread woven into its structure, the surface shimmers subtly as light moves across it. This interplay of texture and sheen was a hallmark of Chinese Imperial carpets, whose materials and techniques were closely guarded and reserved for elite commissions. Such rugs were often destined for palaces and temples, where artistry served both aesthetic splendor and symbolic authority.

Framing the scene, an elegant border of peonies, stylized acanthus leaves, and butterflies encloses the composition with grace and joy. Butterflies—emblems of happiness and delight—complete this visual symphony of auspicious meaning. Rare, storied, and steeped in dynastic prestige, this one-of-a-kind Imperial Peking rug is a collector’s treasure—an heirloom textile that elevates its setting with cultural depth, poetic symbolism, and unmistakable status.

Abrash.
Hand knotted silk. Hand knotted wool. Gold Thread.
Made in China.
Measures: 02'07 x 04'01.
Pile Height: 0.26 of an inch.
Date: 1920s. Early 20th Century. See less