Chinese carpet

Chinese carpets are recognizable by their restrained color schemes, often featuring less red than Middle Eastern carpets, and characteristic Chinese motifs. They are typically asymmetrically knotted on a cotton foundation, with a thick pile and a relatively coarse weave. Early examples often display a brown hue that shows more wear than the rest of the pile, while later rugs are frequently characterized by varying shades of blue and yellow. A unique feature of Chinese carpets is the "pillar carpet," designed to form a continuous pattern when wrapped around a pillar, commonly depicting coiling dragons. Saddle rugs, small mats, and seat covers were also produced, alongside larger carpets. Many Chinese rugs showcase repeating vegetal designs or various Daoist and Buddhist symbols, with relatively simple borders. When China began exporting carpets to the West in the early 20th century, designs became simpler and were tailored for a foreign market.1