Carpets of China
The material used in the creation of Chinese carpets is silk. This technique dates back to IVb.C. We can say that until IVa.C. silk was exclusively used only in carpets created in China, although this dates are not for sure. It is thought that old Chinese started trading with the Egyptians and this was the beginning of the Silk Road connecting Asia with Europe.
Silk is a natural protein fibre which is obtained from the cocoon of silkworm larvae reared in captivity (sericulture).
The ornaments and designs that we can observe on Chinese carpets are not only for decorative means but they have a common symbolic function as in other art forms. For instance the dog figure Fo whichh is the symbol of protection against the evil; or the lotus flower which is the symbol of pureness.
Other typical compositions are the flower forms which use to go together with figures similar to dragons, poultry etc.
A way to find out the period when the Chinese carpets were created is observing the colors used on it.Meanwhile blue, yellow and ivory are dominantly used nearly during all the periods in most of the carpets created in China.
