Weaving a rich artistic legacy
China Daily | Updated: 2008-08-28 08:06
The history of Chinese carpets can be traced back 4,200 years. The use of carpets became widespread during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Carpets were also sent to other countries as gifts.
During the Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368), a considerable number of weavers and craftsmen from Central Asia moved to Mongolia following the many expeditions by Genghis Khan and his descendants. This influx created even richer and more varied craftsmanship in carpet weaving.
Carpet production reached a zenith in the Qing Dynasty. In 1860, carpets began to be produced in Beijing in order to meet the demands of the royal family. Later on, the craft spread to other places, including Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong and Shanghai.
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