Chinese carpets and rugs

As opposed to most antique rug manufactory practices, Chinese carpets were woven almost exclusively for internal consumption. China has a long history of exportating traditional goods; however, it was not until the first half of the 19th century that the Chinese began to export their rugs. Once in contact with western influences, there was a large change in production: Chinese manufactories began to produce art-deco rugs with commercial look and price point.

The centuries old Chinese textile industry is rich in history. While most antique carpets are classified according to a specific region or manufactory, scholars attribute the age of any specific Chinese rug to the ruling emperor of the time. The earliest surviving examples of the craft were produced during the time of Ch'ung Chen, the last emperor of the Chen Dynasty, which ended when he died in the early 17th century. The Ming Dynasty, the last before the creation of the Chinese Republic, succeeded the Chen dynasty.

References

Nazmiyal, Jason." Antique Rug and Carpet Guide."2008.The Nazmiyal Collection. January 2008.[ http://nazmiyalantiquerugs.com/antique-Lilihan-rugs.html].

Neff, Ivan C. and Carol V. Maggs. Dictionary of Oriental Rugs. London: AD. Donker LTD, 1977. ISBN: 13: 9780949937353