Beijing antique rug, it was made in the later period
of Qing Dynasty. this rug was used by noble for congratulations on
birthday.
in the centre ground, the pattern is abstract dragon
viens and peony
viens. the pattern of side is longevity pattern.
the dragon: there are four fairy-tale animals i old legends of China
including dragon, phoenix, kylin and tortoise. these four fairy animals
possess extraordinary power and they ar the ideal lucky symbol among
the people. the dragon is the first among four fairy-tale aminals
being good at changing.the dragon possesses sovereign position in
the legend. so it was symbol of imperial power and the emperor is
called "dragon, son of heaven". So the drgon veins could
be only used in imperial court and temples during politics and religion
combined terms.
longevity pattern veins: come from the Chinese calligraphy. there
are nine longevity patterns veins in the side and five longevity pattern
veins in the bottom. in Chinese traditional culture, stateliness symbol
of imperial power also was called " NINE & FIVE'S SOVEREIGN
POSITION "
peony viens: means riches and honour.
there are eight dragon viens and ten peony viens in the rug, it was
used congratulations on birthday of 80 years for the royal family.
In China, the eighty years is the formest birthday celebration.
