CHINA BEIJING
Late 19th century
This sumptuous specimen, large in size and richly decorated, effectively exemplifies the characteristic style of Chinese carpets of the early twentieth century, where elements of the Chinese tradition, with emblematic and symbolic meaning, are used for purely decorative purposes and are flanked by floral motifs. complex for an effective result. Dominating the composition is the dog Fo, a fantastic animal dear to the Chinese tradition, similar in features to a Pekingese, but in reality of monstrous dimensions, endowed with strength and lion-like features. The dog Fo has the role of guardian and guardian of peace, mostly of the domestic one, and there is no building that does not have the entrance watched by a pair of Fo dogs, crouched on high elegantly worked pedestals. Like other mythical animals, such as the dragon, the dog Fo usually appears surrounded by flaming tongues. In this carpet it is repeated nine times: in the center and at the corners it is set within dense floral scrolls enriched with peonies, which define the triangular shape of the corner pieces and the rounded shape of the medallion. On the blue background it stands out as if running, flanked by the eight symbols of the treasures of Buddhism. The refined design of the borders is remarkable, which combines Greek motifs, interrupted by elaborate corner designs, tendril motifs, enriched by medallions.