Baotou - Carpet - 190 cm - 160 cm

Chinese antique rug, Baotou, late 19th century – 190 x 160 cm – Hand woven – Elegant Chinese antique rug from the late 19th century, presenting a remarkable floral design on a nuanced blue ground. The central field is adorned with a circular floral medallion, surrounded by rich bouquets in the spandrels. The whole is framed by a handsome border with a Greek key motif, typical of Chinese production of that era. Its refined palette of blues and whites gives it a particularly attractive decorative presence, ideal in a classic, Art Deco, or contemporary interior. Condition: Rug sold in its discovered state. Very dusty, requiring a full cleaning. Shows several old restorations, notably on the border and in the field. Despite these imperfections, it retains a strong decorative charm and authentic allure. Dimensions: 190 x 160 cm Origin: China Period: Late 19th century Material: Hand-knotted wool History: The Baotou rugs (or Pao-tou in the old transcription) are traditional Chinese rugs woven in the city of Baotou, in Inner Mongolia. They are among the Chinese rugs most sought after by collectors for their wool quality and pictorial motifs. Origins: The Baotou region is located in the great steppes of Inner Mongolia, a area favorable to sheep farming. Thanks to the abundance of quality wool, the art of rug weaving developed there from the 19th century. According to local sources, the weaving know-how is said to have been introduced during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty (around 1862-1874) by artisans from the neighboring Ningxia; Golden age and decline: The golden age of Baotou rugs lies between the late 19th century and the 1930s. Pieces from this period were exported to Europe and America, where they were valued for their Art Deco style and originality. After the political upheavals of the mid-20th century and the region’s industrialization, traditional artisanal production declined sharply. Old Baotou rugs are today sought on the antique market.