Antique Chinese Dragon Rug, Origin: China, Circa: 1920’s – Here is a beautiful and intriguing antique Oriental rug – an antique Chinese composition, resplendent with a series of beautifully articulated dragons. Distinctly Chinese rugs such as this beautiful example boast an intriguing history, and actually would not have come into being without the demand of western consumers. China boasts a centuries-old rug-making culture, but until the end of the nineteenth century, only produced rugs for consumption by Chinese consumers. When trade with with Western world opened up in a dramatic fashion during the waning decades of the nineteenth century, there was a sudden demand for explicit “Chinese” goods and art. As a result, there was a tremendous upsurge in the production and manufacture of rugs such as this example, featuring explicitly traditional Chinese symbols and elements of design. Traditionally, dragons are considered to be extremely auspicious animals by the Chinese people, who celebrate the mythical beasts for their cunning, intelligence, and grace. Dragons were also associated with the emperor and the Chinese Imperial Family, and thus demand a great deal of respect. This carpet features a series of five such animals, with one in each of the four corner pieces, and a fifth resplendent in the central medallion of interwoven cloudbands. The beautiful blue tones that pervade and characterize the carpet cunningly sooth the menacing nature of the dragons, giving the carpet and overall impression of peace and serenity. A beautifully traditional composition, this antique carpet is a delightful rug.

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