Symbols in Chinese rugs
The eight general symbols—book, coin, solid lozenge, hollow lozenge, ball or pearl, leaf, rhinoceros horn and sounding stone. Usually these symbols are tied with ribbons (filets).
The dragon, the unicorn, the phoenix, the lion and the tortoise all appear, and each is symbolic. If, for example, there are nine lions woven into a rug, it is presumed to have been made for a scholar.
In the dragon's claw you can often see the round "pearl of wisdom." He is guarding it from harm. (This is said to be the origin of the claw-and-ball foot found in furniture design.)
Sprays of lotus, pomegranate, citron, plum and peach blossoms are used.
|
