Authentic 19th Century Chinese Blue and Purple Handwoven Wool Carpet

A late 19th century Chinese antique rug, the light blue field with an unusually modern-looking design of condensed overlapping flowerheads and blossoms scattered overall within a light purple lotus and vinery border.

Decorative oriental vintage 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 beautiful rugs 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 Art Deco Chinese rugs for sale and carpets were produced in medallion as well as rectangular formats.