Antique Dragon Peking Carpet
N°
00609
Period
Circa 1900
Origin
Northern China
Materials
Wool
Status
Available
Size
351 x 270 cm11'6" x 8'10"
This Antique Dragon Peking Carpet features a central, five-clawed dragon, symbolizing both the forces of nature and the Chinese emperor. Surrounding the central dragon are four other dragons, all set against an indigo blue background. At both ends, a pair of dragons flank a flaming pearl, which symbolizes wisdom. The entire composition, including the cloud band and wave border, reflects the typical style of nineteenth-century Ningxia carpets. However, the design’s rendering, the blue and ivory palette, and the very fine knotting are characteristic of early twentieth-century Peking weaving.