1910s Blue Open Field Shou Symbol Antique Chinese Peking Rug 8'x9'8" Handknotted Wool Carpet

Details

Description

Chinese - Peking Rug 8'0" x 9'8"

This antique Chinese Peking carpet, hand-knotted circa 1910, is an exemplary piece of … Read more Chinese - Peking Rug 8'0" x 9'8"

This antique Chinese Peking carpet, hand-knotted circa 1910, is an exemplary piece of early 20th-century Chinese textile art, renowned for its refined simplicity and elegant design. Produced in the workshops of Beijing (Peking) primarily for Western export markets, it often incorporates the nascent Art Deco aesthetic of the period.

The rug features a disciplined and balanced design, characteristic of the style. The field is dominated by a rich, solid royal blue hue, providing a striking, minimalist backdrop that makes the sparse motifs stand out. Instead of a dense all-over pattern, the design employs an open composition with scattered, stylized floral arrangements in the corners and possibly a subtle, implied central focus.
The motifs, which often include traditional Chinese symbols like lotus flowers or butterflies, are rendered with clean, graphic clarity in a limited palette of colors such as ivory, pale pink, and touches of gold. A key feature is the multi-tiered border system, with a wide inner band in a darker shade of blue that frames the field effectively. This restrained use of color and open space was a distinct departure from traditional Persian rugs and appealed strongly to Western tastes.

In line with the quality demands of the era, these carpets were hand-knotted using high-quality, lustrous wool on a sturdy cotton foundation. The weave is thick and durable, designed for longevity. The meticulous hand-knotting process allowed for precise execution of the fine details and subtle shading, creating a sophisticated work of art that seamlessly blends ancient Chinese symbolism with modern design sensibilities. See less