Chinese Vintage Floral Burnt Orange Hand-Knotted Wool Rug BB2794 7'7" × 10'9" $47,000

This mid-19th-century Chinese silk rug is an exquisite example of Qing dynasty textile artistry, embodying a delicate balance of imperial elegance, symbolism, and timeless craftsmanship. Woven from sumptuous silk, its surface radiates with a warm, muted luster that enhances both the richness of its palette and the subtlety of its design.

The rug’s central medallion anchors the composition, featuring traditional Chinese figural motifs—possibly scholars or attendants in a courtyard scene—rendered in soft, worn shades of indigo, celadon, taupe, and coral. Surrounding the medallion is an array of lotus blossoms, peonies, and scrolling tendrils, all iconic motifs in Chinese art, symbolizing purity, prosperity, and longevity.

The background field is a burnt coral or terra-cotta hue, a rare and striking choice in Chinese rugs, giving the piece an earthy warmth and visual strength. This color forms a vivid contrast with the navy and celadon border, which features stylized lotus and cloud motifs in alternating gold and cream accents. The inner and outer guard borders echo this classic theme, enhancing the overall sense of visual balance.

The level of detail and sophistication in this rug suggests it was likely woven for a person of high status—possibly commissioned for a scholar’s studio or imperial interior. The silk not only provides a soft, luminous pile but also ensures the colors retain a refined depth over time.

As both a decorative statement and a cultural artifact, this antique silk rug exemplifies the quiet majesty of Chinese design. Its harmonious composition, delicate color balance, and use of auspicious symbolism make it a prized collectible for connoisseurs of Asian textile art and historical interiors.

This exquisite rug is part of the diversified Doris Leslie Blau selections, renowned for its curated selection of antique, vintage, and contemporary rugs. Doris Leslie Blau offers a vast selection of antique, vintage, and contemporary rugs in a wide range of styles, materials, and price points, making fine textile art accessible to both collectors and designers alike.