Vintage Small Rug with 4 Bats, China H: 26″

Description

This small vibrant vintage carpet square with fringed edges can be used for meditation, an accent piece or hung on a wall. Made from wool and natural dyes, it has a cotton foundation and double weft with a medium wool pile and fine geometric designs. Meander designs and geometric motifs surround the center framed by 4 stylized bats, wings extended. Bats are among the most popular images, rebuses and symbols in Chinese culture, the ultimate Chinese symbol of good luck, used everywhere: on furniture, textiles, porcelain and even clothing.  Bat (fu) is a homophone and a wish for blessings, happiness and riches.  When placed “upside down” (dao), a bat is a pun for arrived (dao) and means “blessings have arrived” (fudao). A pair (shuang)  means “may you have double blessings” (shuangfu). So, as there are 4 bats on this rug, all the blessings are quadrupled. With some slight fading that adds to its warmth, expected with age and use, it is in very good condition.