Antique Chinese – Peking Chinese Floral, Medallion Ivory 1900s Rug, Circa Date: 1900s. This magnificent example of early 20th-century weaving presents the refined aesthetic typical of Peking production, characterized by its open composition and symbolic use of space. It is a superb piece among our collection of antique rugs.
The expansive field is rendered in a luminous, pale ivory color, which serves as a canvas for the delicately scattered motifs. These include auspicious symbols such as stylized bats, cranes, and wisps of cloud, all rendered in soft indigo and taupe tones. The restrained palette ensures that the visual focus remains on the elegant, classical Chinese iconography.
A prominent central medallion, framed by dark blue cloud bands, anchors the design, featuring a stylized deer or mythical creature beneath a hanging lantern motif. Above and below this central element, tiered pagodas rise, emphasizing the verticality and architectural inspiration often found in Chinese textiles of this period.
The wide, contrasting border utilizes a deep indigo ground, framing the composition with elegant vases overflowing with stylized flowers and scrolling vines. Given its dimensions, this piece functions beautifully as a foundational element in a formal living space, representing a truly large oversized textile of exceptional quality and provenance.
