Antique Chinese Chinese Knotted Rug vintage, Circa Date: 1920s. This exceptional pair of small, hand-knotted textiles represents a specialized form of antique rugs from the Republican period of China. Their unique, stepped shape suggests they were originally intended as saddle covers or decorative chair backings, showcasing the fine craftsmanship of the era.
The deep, saturated indigo field provides a dramatic backdrop for the lively iconography. This rich blue color rugs palette is characteristic of high-quality Chinese weaving from the 1920s, utilizing natural dyes that have maintained their remarkable intensity over the past century.
Central to each panel is a stylized, mythical creature—likely a Qilin or Foo Dog—rendered in cream and gold wool, symbolizing prosperity and protection. This creature is surrounded by auspicious clouds and large, stylized blossoms, emphasizing the traditional use of floral rugs patterns in Chinese textile art.
A complex border system frames the composition, featuring a vibrant coral-red guard stripe and a meticulous Greek key motif, which contrasts sharply with the main field. These pieces, categorized among small scatter size rugs, offer a rare opportunity to acquire a matched pair of decorative Chinese textiles with significant historical and aesthetic value.
