Wool Hand Knotted Pile Blue Antique Rectangle 1890s Rug, Circa Date: 1890s. This exceptional late 19th-century Chinese Peking carpet is defined by its magnificent, deeply saturated indigo field. The use of this rich, almost navy blue color rugs provides a dramatic backdrop for the delicate floral motifs scattered across the expanse. The quality of the wool and the density of the hand-knotted pile speak to its status as a fine example of period weaving.
The central design features a grand, circular medallion, intricately rendered in soft beige, pale peach, and lighter blue tones. Within this complex cartouche, traditional Chinese symbols—including stylized peonies and symbolic lanterns—are woven with precision. The open field surrounding the medallion is populated by individual floral sprays and butterflies, characteristic of highly prized antique rugs from the Qing Dynasty’s final decades.
A sophisticated palette of contrasting hues frames the composition. The main border utilizes a wide, pale tan ground, providing a striking visual break from the deep blue of the field. This border is densely decorated with continuous, flowing vines and large, naturalistic blossoms, echoing the motifs found in the corners and spandrels of the central design.
This textile exemplifies the restrained elegance achieved by master weavers of the period, balancing intricate detail with expansive negative space. Given its substantial dimensions (9.02ft x 11.06ft), this piece functions perfectly as a statement room size rugs, capable of anchoring a grand living space or formal dining room with quiet authority and decorative versatility.