Celestial Dragon Carpet

This small rectangular area carpet recreates traditional Chinese carpet designs with a bold color palette of maroon, navy and mustard yellow. Set against the wine-red field is a central medallion of a celestial dragon flying towards a flaming pearl, flanked by two ornate bronze censers. Beautifully commemorated on this carpet, censers have been used for thousands of years in Chinese culture as a part of funeral rites or prayer offerings. Filled with dried aromatic plants and essential oils, the censer issued fragrant smoke that forged a connection to the spiritual realm.

The central field is enclosed by a golden yellow border filled with ribbon-clad objects. Believed to bring peace and blessings, these symbols are some of the eight auspicious Buddhist symbols, including the lotus, the wheel of law, the parasol, and the eternal knot.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.