Magic carpet ride

By Xie Fang (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-28 10:20

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.

Antique carpets, also designated as cultural relics, came mostly from the Forbidden City, the aristocracy, temples, and government agencies. The designs included fairy tales, happy events, good luck symbols, and plants and birds, which stand for wealth and high class. The most valuable antique carpets are hand knotted and include antique Tibetan carpets, antique carpets from Xinjiang and antique carpets from northwest China.

The density of the carpet - 50 count to 1,200 count per foot - determines its quality. The higher the count, the more valuable.

China Daily

(China Daily 08/28/2008 page20)

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