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The Penghua
★★★★★ 4.9 STAR SELLER RATING
An heirloom rug from the Peking collection
Antique Chinese Peking Square Rug — 1910s | 2'9" × 3'
The Antique Chinese Peking Square Rug is an early 20th-century hand-knotted wool piece that brings architectural balance and cool tonal refinement into intimate interior spaces. Woven in China circa the 1910s, this Peking rug features a roundel medallion set within a covered field of stylized eucalyptus leaves—disciplined, airy, and quietly elegant in character.
- Origin: China
- Age: Antique, circa 1910s
- Type: Square rug
- Construction: Hand-knotted
- Pile: Wool pile
- Use: Indoor
- Size: 2'9" × 3'
Each rug is handcrafted and timeworn. Variations in wear, restoration, and tonal nuance are natural characteristics of antique handmade rugs and reflect their long life rather than defects.
Description
This antique Chinese Peking rug is structured around a roundel medallion composition, placed atop a fully articulated field of stylized eucalyptus leaves. The corner spandrels echo the central motif with inwardly directed floral leaves, reinforcing visual containment and symmetry.
An inner minor border in a delicate seed pearl design transitions into a meandering vine arabesque main border, creating layered architectural framing without excess ornament.
The palette is cool and harmonious—sky blue, indigo, and cobalt layered against antique ivory, cream, oxidized silver, and pale dusty rose. The tones shift subtly across the surface, lending quiet dimensionality.
Though wider than it is long, the square format enhances compositional presence, making Penghua ideal for centered placements or intimate, balanced arrangements.
History
Peking rugs from the early 20th century are known for restrained compositions, cool palettes, and spacious botanical rendering.
By the 1910s, workshops were producing carpets that blended traditional Chinese symbolism with subtle Western decorative influence, emphasizing clarity and negative space.
Antique Peking rugs from this era are prized for their architectural calm and refined use of tone.
About the Name
Penghua derives from the Chinese 朋 (péng), meaning “friend,” and 花 (huā), meaning “flower.” The name suggests companionship expressed through natural beauty.
The inward-facing leaves and balanced roundel medallion evoke unity and connection—forms that feel gathered rather than scattered.
Penghua is a piece defined by quiet harmony—cool-toned, composed, and symbolically layered.
Materials & Composition
- Primary material: Wool
- Construction: Hand-knotted
- Edges: Original side cord selvages, intact or restored
- Foundation: Traditional woven foundation
Condition Details
This antique Chinese Peking rug shows mostly even wear down to the knot heads, with some isolated areas of foundation visible.
Most of the original side cord selvages remain intact or have been restored. The sides and ends are fully secured.
Multiple areas of repair are present in varying degrees of expertise, consistent with age and long-term use.
The rug has been recently professionally cleaned and is ready for placement.
Care Instructions
Vacuum gently using suction only. Avoid beater bars and rotating brushes.
Use a quality rug pad to enhance stability and preserve structure.
Rotate periodically to encourage even wear. For conservation-level cleaning or structural work, consult a professional experienced with antique Chinese carpets.
FAQ
Is this rug one of a kind?
Yes. Each antique Peking rug is unique in drawing, wear, and restoration history.
What interiors does this rug suit best?
This rug works beautifully in serene, transitional, or collected interiors where cool palettes and architectural balance are appreciated.
Is the rug ready for use?
Yes. It has been professionally cleaned and is ready for placement.
Shipping & Delivery
The Leonidas Collection is proud to offer carbon neutral shipping on most heirloom rug purchases.
- Shipping is calculated at checkout and includes handling and insurance.
- Select rugs ship free within the continental U.S.
- Oversized items ship via freight carrier (curbside delivery).
- Shipping fees are non-refundable.
- Damage or delivery issues must be reported within 48 hours.
Return Policy
- Heirloom rugs (including vintage & antique) are returnable within 3 days of delivery, unless otherwise noted.
- Heirloom rugs purchased on sale or with a discount are final sale.
- Contemporary rugs are returnable within 14 days of delivery, unless otherwise noted.
- Return authorization is required.
Please review the full details of our Return & Refund Policy for more information.
We encourage customers to contact us at hello@leonidascollection.com with any questions prior to purchase to ensure confidence in your selection.
Reviews
★★★★★ 4.9 STAR SELLER RATING
"Worth every penny! This is the kind of purchase you never regret." - Selena W.
ORIGIN STORY
The Peking Collection
Penghua is
★★★★★
Worth every penny!
This is the kind of purchase you never regret.
— SELENA W. —
★★★★★
The only place you should be buying antiques from.
These folks are always willing to go the extra mile to help you find what you're looking for.
— JACK P. —
★★★★★
Collector-approved.
Beautifully curated. As a long-time collector, I can say their pricing is very fair.
— PIETRO G. —
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Frequently asked questions
Are your heirloom rugs one-of-a-kind?
Yes. Every heirloom rug we sell is one of a kind. The piece shown is the exact rug you will receive, and it cannot be replaced once sold. Learn more about what makes our rugs heirlooms →
Are your rugs hand-knotted?
Yes. All heirloom, antique, and vintage rugs in our collection are traditionally hand-knotted, not machine-made.
Are your heirloom rugs authentic?
Yes. All heirloom rugs in our collection are genuine vintage or antique pieces—not reproductions. Each is traditionally hand-knotted and sourced from a historically recognized weaving region, with age, origin, and construction verified before listing.
What's the difference between vintage & antique rugs?
Antique rugs are typically over 100 years old, while vintage rugs generally date from the 20th century. Both are traditionally hand-knotted and regionally authentic; the difference lies primarily in age, not quality or craftsmanship.
Are antique and vintage rugs suitable for modern homes?
Most vintage rugs are well-suited for daily living. Antique rugs can also be used with care, depending on age and condition. We note any important considerations on each listing. Learn more about why buying vintage & antique matters →