Chinese design developed from the simple conventionalized patterns of the best period to the highly naturalistic, widely spaced detached designs of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
There were never as many or as wide borders as in other Orientals. Gradually borders were eliminated entirely.
Religious symbols have always had an important place in Chinese decoration. Some of those used in rugs are: The eight Buddhistic symbols—knot of destiny, wheel, umbrella, conch shell, lotus blossom, urn, canopy and wheel.
The eight Taoist symbols—flute, sword, fan, lotus pod, castanets, bamboo musical instrument, gourd and basket.
