This vintage Chinese pictorial rug is a still life filled with beauty, symbolism and the quiet pleasures of a cultivated home. Arranged across a deep midnight blue ground is a collection of flower-filled vessels, bamboo, lotus blossoms, scholar’s objects, incense burners, brushes and small decorative treasures.
The scene follows the Chinese “Hundred Antiques” tradition, sometimes called bogu, in which treasured objects are gathered to represent knowledge, refinement, good fortune and an appreciation for art. Bamboo symbolizes resilience and integrity. The lotus is associated with purity, while peonies represent beauty, honor and abundance. The vessels and scholar’s objects speak to learning, creativity and a thoughtful life. There is just so much symbolism and story here.
There is something wonderfully romantic about the arrangement. It feels as though someone has just stepped away from a beautiful study, leaving flowers in bloom, brushes at the ready and favorite objects carefully collected over time.
Dusty rose, celadon green, powder blue and soft ivory glow against the rich navy field. Each color was derived from plant-based sources and absorbed into the wool through traditional vegetable dyeing, giving the palette its natural depth and gentle variation.
The wool is very soft to the touch, it’s velvety, and the rug has a loose, floppy handle that drapes beautifully. It is clean and in excellent vintage condition, making it equally wonderful on the floor or displayed on a wall as woven art. It's like a painting, but on soft and luxurious wool, woven art by a woman. The wool has a natural and gorgeous sheen from the sheep’s wool.
At 4’5” x 6’7”, it would bring depth and personality to a living room, bedroom, library, entry or office. Beneath a writing desk, it feels especially fitting, surrounded by books, art and other collected things.
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The Rug Rundown…
the wool…the weave…the wear
Size: 4’5” x 6’7”
Origin: China
Age: Circa 1970
Material: Vegetable dyed wool
Construction: Hand knotted
Design: Chinese “Hundred Antiques” pictorial still life with bamboo, lotus, peonies, vessels, incense burners and scholar’s objects.
Condition: Clean and in excellent vintage condition. Soft wool with a loose, floppy handle. Please see all photos for complete condition details.
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:: Please consider a rug pad for this old beauty, to keep it protected and wiggle free. Click below if you want to add one at BPR and we will custom cut it to size:
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