Old Chinese - Rug - 190 cm - 160 cm - Baotou

Old Chinese rug, Baotou, late 19th century – 190 x 160 cm - Hand-made - Elegant antique Chinese rug from the end of the 19th century, featuring a remarkable floral pattern on a nuanced blue background. The central field is adorned with a circular floral medallion, surrounded by rich bouquets in the spandrels. The whole is framed by a beautiful border with a Greek key motif, typical of Chinese production of that era. Its refined palette of blues and whites gives it a decorative presence particularly seductive, ideal in a classical, Art Deco, or contemporary interior. Condition: Rug sold in its condition upon discovery. Very dusty, requiring a complete cleaning. It shows several old restorations, notably along 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 Era: Late 19th century Material: Hand-knotted wool History: 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 vast steppes of Inner Mongolia, an area favorable to sheep farming. Thanks to the abundance of quality wool, rug making developed there from the 19th century onward. According to local sources, the weaving know-how was introduced during the Tongzhi period of the Qing dynasty (circa 1862-1874) by artisans from the neighboring Ningxia; Golden age and decline The golden age of Baotou rugs is between the late 19th century and the 1930s. Pieces from this period were exported to Europe and America, where they were appreciated 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