A small Gansu rug woven with a lively arrangement of auspicious symbols against a deep navy field, accented in indigo blue, coral, and muted aubergine. Pairs of stylized bats appear throughout the central field, arranged around endless knots and shou symbols, while interlocking ring motifs line the outer border.
In Chinese decorative arts, the bat is a symbol of good fortune, while the shou character represents longevity and the endless knot suggests continuity and enduring harmony. Together, these motifs give the rug a rich symbolic vocabulary despite its intimate scale.
This example is particularly appealing for its dark palette and bold, highly legible composition. Areas of visible mending appear as intentionally speckled passages, where sections have been rewoven in a deliberately differentiated manner rather than disguised. These restorations become part of the rug’s surface history and visual character.
Size: 1'6" x 3'3 [46cm x 99cm]
Age: Q1 20th Century (1900-1925)
Origin: China
Type of Rug: Chinese
Material: Wool pile on a cotton foundation
Pile Height: Low
Condition: Very good
BK2891
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