Chinese Silk
Chinese silk rugs are knotted in pure silk and stand out with their distinctive motifs — dragons, medallions, and Buddhist symbols.
Profile
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Origin
- China — silk-producing provinces
- Pile material
- Silk on silk or cotton
- Knot density
- 300,000 – 900,000 knots/m²
- Features
- Pure silk, dragons and medallions, Buddhist symbols
Photo: Morgenland Rugs
Origin
Chinese silk rugs come from various regions of China and represent a centuries-old tradition of silk knotting. The main production areas are in the provinces of Xinjiang, Henan, Shandong, and in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Particularly famous are the workshops in Kashgar, Beijing, and Shanghai, where high-quality silk rugs have been made since the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Chinese rug knotting had its heyday during the Qing Dynasty, when demand for luxurious floor coverings for palaces and wealthy households rose sharply.
Characteristics
Chinese silk rugs are distinguished by their characteristic motifs from Chinese art and cultural history. Typical designs include dragons as symbols of imperial power, phoenixes, lotus flowers, peonies, and geometric cloud patterns. Depictions of the eight Buddhist auspicious symbols or landscape scenes with mountains and rivers are also frequent. The palette spans traditional tones such as deep blue, red, and gold to subtle pastels. Many examples have a central medallion composition framed by ornamental borders with floral or geometric motifs.
Material and technique
These rugs are knotted exclusively from pure natural silk — used for the pile as well as the foundation of warp and weft. The silk traditionally comes from Chinese mulberry silkworms and is distinguished by its characteristic sheen and fineness. Knot density varies considerably and can range from 200,000 to over 1,000,000 knots per square metre. Mainly the asymmetrical knot is used, with the symmetrical knot in some cases. Production takes place on vertical looms, with experienced knotters often spending years on a single masterpiece. After knotting, the rugs are sheared and refined through special washing processes to intensify the silken sheen.
Worth knowing
Chinese silk rugs were historically status symbols and exclusively reserved for the imperial family and high nobility. During the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) traditional rug production almost came to a standstill but saw a renaissance in the 1980s. Modern Chinese silk rugs are often produced in limited editions and frequently bear the knotter's signature. A particular feature is the use of relief effects, in which certain pattern parts are sculpturally raised through different pile heights. This technique — called "carving" — gives the rugs a three-dimensional effect.
Frequently asked questions
How do I recognise an authentic Chinese silk rug?
Authentic Chinese silk rugs are recognisable by the characteristic sheen of silk that varies with viewing angle. A simple test is to burn a few drawn-out fibres — silk smells like burnt hair and leaves a black ash. Both the pile and the back should consist of silk.
How do I care for a Chinese silk rug properly?
Silk rugs should be vacuumed regularly but gently — best in the pile direction. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can fade the colours. Professional cleaning by specialists is recommended every 3–5 years. Spilled liquids should be blotted at once, never rubbed.
Are Chinese silk rugs a good store of value?
High-quality Chinese silk rugs can well retain their value, particularly rare antique pieces or work from renowned manufactories. Value depends on age, condition, rarity, knot density, and art-historical significance. Expert appraisal is essential for a realistic valuation.
Impressions of the origin
Places, landscapes and landmarks around the home of Chinese Silk rugs. Click any image for a larger view.
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