Early 20th Century Floral Chinese Beige and Navy Blue Handmade Wool Carpet BB4090 9'5" × 13'4" $20,000

A Chinese rug, the midnight blue field with a lattice of staggered beige whimsical flowers and delicate blue vinery and feathery leaves within a beige border with a subtle blossom and vinery border.

Decorative vintage style rugs and carpets have been a significant art form within the Chinese culture for many centuries, if not for several millennia. Their history, apart from being long and distinguished, is largely independent of that of the Middle East. First of all, they were woven almost solely for domestic consumption – such separation from Western influences resulted in those carpets having truly ethnic Chinese vibe and appearance. It was not until the 19th century, the Chinese started exporting antique rugs for sale to the world of the West – other goods, such as bronzes and porcelain have already been exported for many years before. Often employing silk textiles, antique Chinese rugs and carpets were produced in medallion as well as rectangular formats.