Finely Woven Antique Chinese Peking Dragon Medallion Rug, Country of Origin: China, Circa Date: 1900
This antique Chinese Peking rug is a formally composed and symbolically rich example of the imperial dragon format, one of the most significant and collectible design traditions in Chinese rug production. The Peking rug tradition, centered on China’s capital, produced some of the country’s most refined and structured hand-knotted pieces, characterized by precise drawing, dense pile, and carefully organized compositions that reflect the symbolism of the imperial court. This rug also belongs to the distinguished family of Peking rugs, a category admired for balance, symbolism, and disciplined workshop drawing.
The design presents a deep midnight navy field bearing five dragons: a large central dragon coiled around a circular medallion at the center of the field, and four additional dragons positioned symmetrically at the four corners — two rampant at the upper corners and two striding at the lower corners. Each dragon is rendered in warm gold against the dark blue ground and is depicted pursuing a flaming pearl or sun disc, a motif symbolizing wisdom and imperial power. The arrangement of five dragons specifically carries imperial significance, echoing the imagery of the Chinese dragon robe. The wide outer border is a rich golden amber, filled with scrolling chrysanthemum branches and punctuated by bold red daisy-form flowers, all in navy and green. A narrow geometric lattice guard stripe separates the border from the field. Collectors drawn to this powerful design may also want to explore Chinese dragon rugs and Chinese rugs for related examples of imperial imagery and refined Chinese decorative art.
This rug makes an immediate and authoritative visual statement. The deep navy and gold palette is both striking and versatile, working well in richly furnished libraries, studies, or dining rooms, as well as in contemporary spaces where a bold antique piece provides a counterpoint to modern furnishings. To better understand the symbolic meaning behind dragons, cloud forms, and related motifs, read our guide to rug motifs and symbols.
Dragon-format Peking rugs with a five-dragon imperial composition are among the most historically significant and collectable of all Chinese antique rugs. This is a piece of genuine art-historical interest as well as exceptional decorative quality. If you need a different size or color, explore our custom rug service.
