The technique of the Chinese wool-knotting originated in 2,000 B.C., and became further developed and enhanced in variety by the Qin and Han Dynasties. Xinjiang is the main place of origin of the Chinese carpet.

During the period of the Three Kingdoms (200 A.D.- 280 A.D.), the Chinese carpet was introduced to foreign countries for the first time. From the middle of the 14th century to the middle of the 19th century, the Chinese carpet was the main item of export.

During the 100 years from the middle of the 19th century, Beijing and Tianjin became the center of production and trade of the Chinese carpet, most of which was exported to the United States, and was introduced to many other western countries by different means.

The Imperial Palace Carpets design shown in this brochure have been made by strictly following the old traditions where the wool is spun by hand and made into yarn. The yarn is then dyed by hand using all natural vegetables, and then the carpet is knotted by hand making a beautiful luxury carpet.

Mr. Zhou Xiaohan (Factory Director) thoroughly studied old Chinese carpets by collecting and repairing antique rugs from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and started producing copies of the carpets decades ago. He further studied the production process, color layout and patterns of the old carpets. Some of the original carpets are still being kept in famous museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Harvard University in the United States.

The Imperial Palace Carpet factory takes great pride in weaving only 300 hand-spun, hand-dyed, and hand-knotted carpets a year. Each carpet is created by seasoned artisans who spend literally thousands of hours creating your masterpiece that is not merely a floor covering, but a piece of art. These carpets truly reflect a rich cultural heritage and are meant to be handed down for your generations to enjoy.