Peking Palace Rug with 'Fo'-Dogs
360 x 364 cm (11' 10" x 11' 11")
China, 19th century
Condition: good, low pile in places but not worn, some professional restorations in the field, age related signs of use
Published: Catalogue of the 17th Biennale in Florence 1991, p. 63
Warp: cotton, weft: cotton, pile: wool

Fo-dogs or lion dogs entered the Chinese design repertoire during the introduction of Buddhism to China.
We find them on carpets since the Ming dynasty often chasing a flaming pearl or a decorated ball.
Over the centuries they began to resemble Pekinese dogs and were generally accepted as guardian animals.
Huge bronze lion dogs protect the forbidden city still today. The two lion dogs in our carpet rest next to each other in a relaxed way. However, they are not engrossed in play, they are attentive and looking at us.
This perfect composition is created by placing the dogs slightly below center, producing depth. The dog's position signals both that they are open for play but also alert for action. The serene blue field is framed by the typical single pearl border followed by a meander.
The next frame asks for closer inspection as it shows fret dragons whilst the following border is full of auspicious and Buddhist symbols. From the inner border to the outer the blue colors gradually and harmoniously become darker and more prominent. Dark blue lotus scrolls in the fifth border lead over to a typical undecorated dark blue frame which closes the elegant composition of the rug.