Antique Chinese Rugs

Decorative rugs have been a significant art form in the Chinese culture for many centuries. Chinese Oriental Rugs employ a palette of blue, beige, apricot and yellow as their main colors. They display motifs that include the classical Buddhist or Taoist symbols of longevity, elaborate lotus blossoms, chrysanthemums, cloud band motifs, dogs and birds. They are usually framed with a simple, wide border. In contrast to these earlier Chinese antique rugs, twentieth century Chinese Art Deco rugs can be in spare in design and quite radical in color.