The written history of Chinese carpets can be traced back to more than 300 years ago, while records of physical carpet examination can be over 2,000 years. It fully reflects minority history and culture by that time.
China’s carpet technology originated in Xinjiang, it then developed along Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia and other regions, finally entered Beijing Tianjin and Shandong. After it intertwined with the ancient art of carpet weaving civilization in central China, carpet technology began to germinate in China and created its own characteristics of carpet arts and crafts.
Carpet collection in international market known as ‘soft gold’, which has high value for collection.
Chinese carpets have witnessed their collection value for their quality and unique process. Some high-income consumers take Chinese carpets as modern luxury home decorations. Many global famous museums, academic institutions keep a large collection of Chinese carpets, and have conducted specialized researchs.
In the auctions at home and abroad, Chinese carpets make frequent appearances attracting many lovers. The value of some rare carpets is still rising, since their raw materials and production technology are disappeared and survival number is limited in the world.
In 1996 China Jiade auction, the carpet with flower and butterfly pattern made in Ningxia in late Qing Dynasty traded at the price of 110,000 yuan, the carpet with vases and eight auspicious pattern made in Baotou in early Republic of China traded at 30,800 yuan, the carpet with flower pattern made in Niangxia in late Qing Dynasty trade at 19,800 yuan, a Qinghai Tibetan Carpet made in early Republic of China traded at 16,500 yuan.
In 2003 Hong Kong Christie’s auction, the dragon pattern velvet carpet for use of Emperor Qian Long in Qing Dynasty traded at the high price of 770,620 yuan. In 2003 Beijing Hanhai auction, a Qing Dynasty Queen’s wishful pattern velvet carpet sold at the price of 750,000 yuan. In 2006 the East Museum auction, a rare silk carpet for use of an emperor in middle Qing Dynasty sold at the proud price of 2.2 million yuan.
In the international auction market, high carpet prices are common occurrence, especially limited edition of hand-woven carpets in up-market.
With the development and growth of middle class, Chinese carpets have become their choice of upgrading consumption. Currently, the carpets at the price of about 10,000 yuan in middle and lower markets and at the price above 100,000 yuan are the best selling items.
