Ancient Chinese Carpets in Western Collections（2）

Another major carpet category in Western collections is Xinjiang antique carpets.

Xinjiang, known as the Western Region in ancient times, is the hometown of Chinese carpets. The beauty of Xinjiang carpets shows the high weaving skills of the carpet craftsmen, and a piece of carpet is like a song flowing from the heart. Compared with the strict rules of Ningxia carpet, the pattern and weaving of Xinjiang carpet are more spontaneous and flexible, especially the 'abrash' colour and gradient effect formed by natural dyeing gives people a free and unrestrained feeling.

According to the evidence, the history of carpet weaving in Xinjiang began at least in the Eastern Han Dynasty. As a bulk commodity on the Silk Road, carpets were circulated in Xinjiang and Central Asia, and they were influenced by each other's weaving techniques and patterns; in the long-term development, Xinjiang carpets have been integrated and refined with various cultures, and the patterns have unique local motifs (e.g., pomegranate), and Persian motifs and Han elements, which are of very high artistic value. Over the centuries, the ancient Xinjiang carpets imported into the West have been treasured by many collectors, and the collection of Xinjiang wool and silk carpets can be seen in some museums in Europe and the United States, such as the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, England, and the Museum of Handicrafts in Frankfurt, Germany.

Historically, Xinjiang carpets were often used as tributes or commodities to enter the Central Plains. The Palace Museum in Beijing still has a collection of Xinjiang carpets from the Ming and Qing dynasties; with the circulation of Xinjiang carpets, their craftsmanship was also introduced to the mainland, thus giving rise to various schools of Chinese carpets, such as Gansu carpets, Ningxia carpets, Yulin carpets, Baotou carpets, etc., of which the Ningxia carpets are the most famous internationally. the carpet craftsmanship was introduced to Beijing and Tianjin in the second half of the 19th century.

For some ethnic minorities in Xinjiang, carpets are a must-have item at home, symbolising stability and good luck. Carpets are also one of the main mediums for the expression of their aesthetics and beliefs, evolving into a classic art form over the long years.

Hotan Carpet
2.34*1.22 metres, mid-19th century.
October 2015, Sotheby's New York.
The "Gul" in diagonal columns in the earth is a common motif in Xinjiang carpets.
It is an abstract rose or pomegranate pattern.

Hotan Carpet
3.84*1.8 metres, circa 1800.
Sotheby's New York, 2015.
The cloud-shaped kui dragons in the earth.
is a variation of the Han Chinese "Four Harmonies of Ruyi,"
The eight-petalled flower in the centre is a typical Xinjiang design.
The rich variations of red and blue colours
giving the carpet an interesting three-dimensional effect.

Yecheng Carpet
3.71*1.8 metres, circa 1800.
Sotheby's Caribbean Private Collection, New York, 2012.
This is a famous Xinjiang antique carpet.
Sold for $130,500 USD.

The simple overall composition is classically symmetrical.
The colour scheme is rare and has a strong visual impact.
The arched shoulders in the main border and the lotus flower in the kui
The design is also imbued with the ancient art of decoration.
Ancient Buddhist symbols are also present in the design.
The three round kui dragons represent the pedestals of the Buddha and the side Bodhisattvas on the altar.
This tradition dates back 2,000 years.
The main border is a formalised cloud motif.
Sometimes called "goat's horns,"
The sea-green colouring is very varied.

Yecheng Silk Carpet
3.82*1.98 metres, early 19th century.
Sotheby's London, 2016.
In the early 19th century, the Yecheng and Kashgar regions of Xinjiang produced
a number of extraordinary silk carpets, of which this is one.
The history of sericulture and mulberry cultivation in Xinjiang began in the Tang dynasty,
and the the silk dyeing and weaving industry was well established and highly skilled.
A classic Xinjiang motif, the pomegranate symbolise fertility, prosperity and wealth.
The colour of the pomegranate in this rug
from the bottom to the top of the carpet changes from rose red to golden yellow, which is visually striking.
It is a reflection of the carpet weaver's skillful use of colour.

Hotan Carpet
3.54m x 1.98m, early 19th century.
Christie's, London, 2010.
This rug is a common structure in Xinjiang in terms of composition,
with the the border design of each of the three kui in the centre is elegant and varied.
The colour scheme is harmonious and subdued, giving a sense of understated luxury.

Hotan Carpet
326*1.7 metres, early 19th century.
Christie's, London, 2012.
A closer look at the circular medallions of this carpet
in which the colour fades from cream to blue from bottom to top.
At the top, it is creamy white again.
Four Wanzi clouds are relaxed and self-contained.
This colour scheme seems to be unintentional, but it has a deeper meaning.
As the ancient saying goes: clouds and qi are one and the same,
they symbolize vitality, spirituality and auspiciousness.