Lion-dogs Hundred Antiques
Classical Chinese Carpets I: Lion-dogs Hundred Antiques
Michael Franses et al.
Postage will be calculated at checkout
Description
Lion-dogs, Hundred Antiques: Classical Chinese Carpets I explores a remarkable period in the history of Chinese carpet weaving. Dating from before 1735, prior to the accession of the Qianlong emperor, these carpets represent some of the finest achievements of the craft. Fewer than 600 examples are known to survive from this earlier era. The book focuses on two of its most significant motifs: the lion-dog, an emblem of valour, courage, energy and wisdom, and the ‘hundred antiques’, a Confucian-inspired motif symbolising cultural accomplishment, status and prosperity. Michael Franses contributes three essays examining the history of classical Chinese carpets and the development of these distinctive motifs. A preface by Hans König, a leading authority on Chinese carpets, is accompanied by essays by Hwee Lie Thè, tracing the lion-dog motif through Chinese art and history, and Gary Dickinson, examining the symbolism and development of the ‘hundred antiques’ motif. Richly illustrated with large-format colour reproductions, the book presents 25 exceptional carpets from both museum and private collections.
