Hello Susanne,

I’m very glad that you chose Mearto for your online appraisal,

Considering the photographs, overall pattern, knot density and the colours, I concluded that this is an Entirely Hand Woven Chinese Rug made in Beijing, dating between 1940-1950. Beijing Hand Woven Rugs or Peking Hand Woven Rugs were mass produced for export purposes during the 1930-1960 period. This decoration which was known as the "Eight Immortals" Pattern was used heavily in carpets between 1940-1950. All pieces from this factory are hand woven. The piece depicts the famous Eight Immortals from the Chinese Mythology, from the Taoist religion especially as well as the Chinese Culture in general. Eight immortals are named as follows: He Xiangu, Cao Guojiu, Li Tieguai, Lan Caihe, Lü Dongbin, Han Xiangzi, Zhang Guolao, Zhongli Quan. He Xiangu is the only known female immortal of the group and depicted on the carpet at the right end. Han Xiangzi is known as a flute artist and can be seen as the third character from the right.

In the middle of the decoration the mighty figure we see is a sepiction of Shouxing. He is one of three stellar gods known collectively as Fulushou. He was also called Nanji Laoren (“Old Man of the South Pole”). Though greatly revered as the god of longevity (shou). Artistic representations often depict Shouxing as a bearded old man with a high brow and a crooked staff in one hand. He holds the peach of immortality in his other hand. A stork or turtle is often added as a further symbol of longevity, which the Chinese view as a special blessing. In your pieces case, it is definetely a stork. The writing talks about the many virtues of the eight immortals as well as dates and a seal of the producer.

Entirely hand woven.

Dimensions: 3 Feet by 5 Feet

Condition: In very good condition without any visible fault.

Provenance: Inherited from the customer's grandmother.

Decorated by motifs from Chinese Mythology.

300-500$.

Please don’t hesitate to reach us again for more online appraisals on your precious items, thank you for choosing Mearto.