Antique Ivory Hallway Runner Wool Chinese – Peking 1890s Knotted Rectangle Rug, Circa Date: 1890s. This exceptional late 19th-century Peking weaving presents a dramatic narrative scene rendered in a sophisticated palette. Its elongated dimensions define it as a true hallway runner, perfectly suited for guiding the eye through a grand entrance or corridor.
The field is divided horizontally, transitioning from a celestial light blue above to a dynamic wave pattern below. The main motifs—the Imperial dragon, clouds, and marine life—are articulated primarily in shades of indigo and a soft, aged ivory field. This restrained cream palette is characteristic of the finest Chinese court textiles produced during the late Qing Dynasty.
Unlike many contemporary medallion compositions, the design utilizes an expansive, narrative format. While the central scene is focused, the border employs a complex series of geometric and stylized floral panels, creating an allover design effect around the perimeter. This juxtaposition of symbolic realism in the field and structured geometry in the guard bands highlights the weaver’s technical mastery.
Woven in wool, this piece retains remarkable clarity and depth of color, a testament to the quality of dyes and knotting techniques employed in Peking workshops of the period. Such pieces are highly sought after by collectors of antique rugs, representing a pinnacle of Chinese textile art before the major stylistic shifts of the early 20th century.
