Palace carpets, characterized by their distinct Beijing regional and imperial court features, are handcrafted artifacts that thrived during the Yuan Dynasty as exclusive imperial possessions. Subsequently, Beijing palace carpets were recognized as one of the Beijing's eight imperial handicrafts and represent an important traditional craftsmanship of Chinese imperial art.
In 2008, the art of palace carpet weaving was designated as an intangible cultural heritage of Beijing, and in 2010, it was further recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage by the State Council.
The history of development
Beijing handmade carpets, originally known as "Official Manufactory Carpets," and also called "Palace Carpets," have a rich history. Carpet weaving technology was introduced to China from the Western Regions during the Western Han Dynasty. By the Tang Dynasty, the carpet weaving in the Central Plains region had become quite developed. The Yuan Dynasty saw a flourishing of the carpet industry, marked by the emergence of large-scale carpet workshops. During the Ming Dynasty, government-operated weaving institutions began producing high-quality official workshop carpets. In the Qing Dynasty, the design patterns of Beijing's official workshop carpets evolved into an artistic style that blended multi-ethnic colors and patterns.
In the 20th century, Beijing palace carpets experienced further growth. In 1900, these carpets were awarded a gold medal at the Paris World Expo. By 1920, there were 354 palace carpet workshops in Beijing, establishing it as one of China's major carpet production centers. From the late 1970s to the early 1990s, the export of Beijing palace carpets reached its zenith, garnering widespread international acclaim.
Weaving procedures
As an exemplar of courtly art steeped in "Beijing-style" characteristics, the creation of Beijing palace carpets demands an exceptional focus on material selection, intricate weaving techniques, and symmetrical, colorful patterns. The manufacturing process unfolds in three primary stages: initial preparation, carpet formation, and beautification.
(1). Initial preparation
The process begins with the meticulous design of the pattern, typically featuring a central dragon motif surrounded by clouds, and scattered plants. These elements are arranged in a "regulated form," emphasizing the symbolic meanings of motifs such as dragons, phoenixes, the Buddhist Eight Treasures, and floral designs. Then the workflow progresses to selecting the finest wool, spinning the yarn, and dyeing it in vibrant colors. The enlarged patterns are then ready to be transferred to the loom for weaving.
(2). Carpet formation
Weaving is the most critical and labor-intensive stage, where the success of the final product is determined. Artisans work on large vertical looms, weaving with speed and precision. The basic principle involves intricately twisting colorful velvet yarns and securing them onto the warp threads. The process involves lifting alternating warp threads, threading the velvet yarn through, and knotting it into a secure figure-eight before trimming the excess. This method meticulously builds the pattern from individual dots to complete lines, and from lines to the full pictorial surface.
(3). Beautification and finishing
Initially, the carpets display a rough and unrefined appearance, with visible raw edges and less distinct color transitions. As an old saying goes, " A jade that is never cut will never be of use," palace carpets similarly undergo a detailed finishing process to enhance their artistic allure. The beautification steps include leveling the carpet, cleaning up rough areas, selective trimming, washing, and detailed retouching.
Palace Carpets and imperial ceremonies
Palace carpets occupy a distinguished status within imperial culture for several compelling reasons. Firstly, in times when suitable flooring materials were scarce, these carpets, crafted from wool and silk, provided essential insulation against cold and dampness, making them ideal floor coverings. Secondly, palace carpets are celebrated for their varied patterns and vibrant colors, offering not only practical utility but also considerable visual appeal. These carpets are known for their regal elegance, precise compositions, vivid color combinations, and the textured, layered cuts that create a sophisticated, dynamic appearance. Thirdly, these carpets are deeply integrated with imperial ceremonies. The choice of carpets, dictated by the occasion and specific palace locations, followed strict regulations concerning patterns and colors, ensuring that each piece fit the ceremonial context perfectly.
In terms of color, red and yellow dominate—these are the primary colors of the imperial palace. Occasionally, blue and white are also used to symbolize the sky and clouds, respectively. These majestic colors not only complement each other but also reflect and enhance the architectural and decorative schemes of the palace. Despite the diversity in weaving techniques among various imperial carpet workshops, the designs, centrally decreed by the monarchy, consistently exhibited a profound royal essence.
Translator: JIANG Yuanqin
