Antique 1900s Chinese – Peking Rectangle Room Size Blue Knotted Wool Rug, Circa Date: 1900s. This exceptional piece represents the height of early 20th-century Chinese weaving, specifically the refined Peking style. Its generous dimensions classify it as a true room size rug, ideal for anchoring a major living space or formal dining area. The hand-knotted wool pile retains a beautiful, soft luster characteristic of high-quality antique textiles.
The primary field color is a sophisticated, dusty robin’s egg blue, providing a serene backdrop that highlights the subtlety of the design. This particular shade of blue color rugs was highly favored in Chinese export pieces of the period, offering a delicate contrast to the dark navy border. Accents of soft rose, pale ivory, and muted gold define the scattered motifs, which include butterflies, vases, and various blossoms.
The composition is elegantly balanced, featuring an open field scattered with auspicious symbols. At the center, a circular medallion depicts two stylized phoenixes surrounded by stylized clouds and blossoms. The corners of the field feature delicate spandrels echoing the main border’s dense floral rugs and vine work, creating depth and visual interest within the overall rectangular format.
The craftsmanship evident in the tight knotting and detailed borders—including the classic Greek key inner guard band—speaks to the skill of the Peking weavers. This piece is not merely a floor covering but a significant example of antique rugs history, offering enduring elegance and a tangible connection to the cultural aesthetics of the early Republican era in China.
