77260 Antique Chinese Peking Rug, 09'02 x 11'07.
The Chinoiserie Dynasty: An Antique Chinese Peking Rug of Symbolic Grace
An embodiment of timeless Chinese artistry and imperial refinement, this hand-knotted wool antique Peking rug captures the serene harmony between symbolism and design. Woven in the early 20th century, it radiates a quiet opulence, balancing minimalist composition with profound spiritual meaning. The deep indigo field — reminiscent of twilight silk — forms an ethereal stage upon which three delicate cloisonné vases float, their blossoms gently reaching upward like prayers whispered to heaven. In this exceptional tableau of simplicity and grace, the artisan distills centuries of Chinese philosophy into form, color, and texture.
At its heart, the trio of precious vases holds an elegant arrangement of bamboo, chrysanthemum, peony, and lotus — each laden with auspicious meaning. Bamboo represents strength and longevity, bending yet unbroken through time. The chrysanthemum, long revered by scholars and poets, symbolizes endurance and noble simplicity. The peony, known as the “King of Flowers,” embodies honor, wealth, and feminine beauty, while the lotus rises unsullied from the depths, an eternal emblem of purity and spiritual awakening. Together, these motifs form a visual poem of human existence — birth, union, and transcendence.
The rug’s open field is framed by a sophisticated border in smoky taupe and azure, adorned with meandering floral scrolls, potted vases, and an exquisitely rendered teapot — the latter a timeless symbol of peace, refinement, and the quiet rituals of daily joy. Each corner spandrel repeats the signature motif of three vases, balancing the central triad with symmetry and purpose. The muted palette of indigo, gold, and sand lends the extraordinary masterpiece an aura of contemplative luxury, evoking the calm interiors of Beijing’s old scholar houses and the meditative geometry of Chinese courtyards.
For the collector of discernment, The Chinoiserie Dynasty transcends mere decoration — it is an heirloom of philosophy, art, and quiet prestige. Its composition speaks to balance, its symbols to wisdom, and its color to the soul’s search for stillness. Whether displayed in a stately library, grand salon, or serene private retreat, this exquisite work of art invites its owner into a world of cultivated grace — a world where beauty is measured not by excess, but by the purity of meaning and the mastery of hand.
- Rendered in variegated shades of indigo, navy blue, ink blue, royal blue, taupe, oyster gray, camel, ecru, tan, beige, peach, salmon, orange, and brown with other accent colors.
- This has moth damage, but it has been treated.
- Abrash.
- Hand-knotted wool.
- Made in China.
- Measures: 09'02 x 11'07.
- Pile Height: 0.42 of an inch.
- Date: 1910's. Early 20th Century.
