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“Water & Ink” Zen Rugs Debut at the National Grand Theatre Art Exhibition
Come to the National Grand Theatre to see an exhibition and enjoy some tea
Water & Ink Zen Rug | 101×102 cm
Inspired by artist Zhiji’s ink-spilling paintings
Hand-knotted wool rug08/12 gampopa
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Lotus Blossoms with Each Step: A Special Exhibition on Re-creating Classical Chinese Carpets
Following the successful conclusion of the exhibition at Shenzhen Marine Art World, the special exhibition “Lotus Blossoms with Each Step: Re-creating Classical Chinese Carpets” will officially open at the Rongbaozhai Guangzhou Gallery on March 19.
05/29 gampopa
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A craft unchanged for two thousand years
Among the myriad traditional crafts, which technique has remained virtually unchanged for two millennia? It is the hand-knotting technique used in carpet weaving. Archaeological discoveries reveal that whether it's the renowned Pazyryk carpet or Han Dynasty carpets from Xinjiang, their weaving structures are nearly identical to those of modern carpets. This indicates that the art of knotting had already reached maturity two millennia ago—not only in China but also in other carpet-producing nations. Knot weaving transforms carpets into resilient three-dimensional textiles capable of expressing intricate designs while providing moisture resistance and warmth. Despite today's technological advancements, machine-made carpets still cannot replace the status of hand-knotted ones. Through the millennia, the figure-eight knot and the horseshoe knot have remained the most commonly used techniques.
11/22 gampopa
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Mini Loom: Now You Can Weave Rugs at Home!
Carpet weaving is a form of intangible cultural heritage. This compact loom allows you to experience this ancient craft firsthand and pursue artistic creation, weaving your dreams into reality. Its main frame features a mortise-and-tenon structure crafted from hardwood, offering a compact and lightweight design suitable for weaving carpets, tapestries, or wall hangings. CC-Loom Mini Loom Designed and manufactured by Caravan Classics, National Patent Awarded in 2023.
06/30
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Ancient Chinese Carpets in Western Collections(2)
Another major category of carpets in Western collections is ancient Xinjiang rugs. Xinjiang, historically known as the Western Regions, is the birthplace of Chinese carpets. The beauty of Xinjiang antique carpets showcases the masterful weaving skills of their artisans, each piece resembling a song flowing from the heart. Compared to the strict, rule-bound patterns of Ningxia carpets, Xinjiang carpets feature more spontaneous and flexible designs and weaving techniques. Particularly striking are the abrupt color breaks and gradient effects achieved through natural dyes, evoking a sense of free-spiritedness and natural perfection. Research indicates that carpet weaving in Xinjiang dates back at least to the Eastern Han Dynasty. As a major commodity along the Silk Road, carpets circulated between Xinjiang and Central Asia, influencing each other's weaving techniques and patterns.
07/12
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Ancient Chinese Carpets in Western Collections(1)
The Western collection of carpets began at least as early as the 14th century, with carpets exported from Egypt, Turkey, Persia, and India to Europe. Their aesthetic and commercial value had long been recognized by Western collectors. In stark contrast, classical Chinese carpets only came to Western attention in the early 20th century during the late Qing Dynasty. They were promptly discovered and collected by discerning connoisseurs like Louis Tiffany. Within less than two decades, vast numbers of Chinese antique carpets that had found their way to the West were dispersed across dozens of auctions. The “classical” period of Chinese carpets is internationally recognized as spanning three centuries, from the Ming Yongle reign to the Qing Yongzheng era. This period...
07/12
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Experience Beauty with Each Step - Renaissance of Classical Chinese Carpets
Re-creating classical Chinese carpets is like the pace of natural growth:Dyeing like spring mountain flowersWeaving like the singing of summer cicadasPolishing like autumn makeupDrawing like winter sn
06/01 gampopa
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The Weaving Record of a Carpet
This is an image of a classic 18th-century Chinese antique rug, discovered by chance over a decade ago in an English carpet magazine. A similar pattern later appeared in a Chinese antique rug at a Sotheby's auction. Due to the five circular motifs scattered across its field (sometimes referred to as “Kui” patterns in rug terminology), it has come to be known as the “Five Kui” rug. This “classical Chinese” design is intricate, delicate, and dynamic, employing a palette that is both restrained and bold. Its details reveal the delicate and ornate qualities of Rococo style, as the Rococo artistic movement prevalent in 18th-century Europe drew significant inspiration from Chinese culture. Yet, viewed as a whole, it retains the classical restraint and symmetry characteristic of traditional Chinese design.
08/30 gampopa