Lot 75

BEIJING RUG

Hand knotted oriental wool rug on cotton warp. The darkly charismatic unusual indigo carpet is decorated with traditional Chinese themes, radiating above all the wish for happiness and longevity. In the centre of the carpet is the famous "show" character, among other things symbolizing "longevity". It is surrounded by other lucky symbols, namely five flying bats, a linguistic peculiarity of Chinese in which the term for bat sounds the same as that for 'luck' or 'blessing'. The two galloping horses in this context embody freedom, confidence in good fortune, strength and victory. Finally, the indispensable Chinese dragons with their flowing, angular bodies are undoubtedly among the most important and complex symbols in Chinese art, and in various East Asian contexts they have a plethora of positive meanings, such as the protection of good luck. It is also worth noting that 2024 is the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese lunar calendar and is therefore seen as a very auspicious and hopeful period.