Hand-Knotted Wool Mini Rug | Turquoise, Coral Ruyi Lotus Design

This jewel-box square comes from the classic North China/Sino-Tibetan tradition and brings the calm symmetry and auspicious symbols Chinese weavers are loved for. At just 30 × 30 cm, it’s a perfect table or altar mat, meditation cushion topper, or small wall piece.

This small square rug is hand-knotted in the Chinese workshop tradition, likely North China, late 20th century. The palette—cool celadon/turquoise ground with coral, cream, moss and inky outlines—plus the curly “key-fret/ruyi” border and lotus blossoms point squarely to Chinese decorative vocabulary.

The four-lobed central cartouche (a stylized quatrefoil cloud form) encloses rosettes and leafy sprays. Around it, lotus blooms float on a pale water-like field—an old Chinese symbol of purity and renewal. The meandering border is the ruyi motif (wish-granting scepter), a good-fortune design used on late Qing and Republic-period textiles and revived in 20th-century workshops. Together they create a balanced, auspicious composition suited to domestic shrines, tea tables and scholar’s studios.


Weaving tradition: North Chinese/Sino-Tibetan workshop work; design and colors echo Ningxia/Peking aesthetics adapted in mid/late-20th-century looms.

Knot structure: From the back’s fine, uniform grid and tidy warps/wefts, knots appear asymmetrical (Senneh) on cotton warps—typical for Chinese production.

Regional origin: China, likely Hebei/Tianjin-Peking workshop line—recognized by celadon grounds, lotus/ruyi vocabulary and black “ink” outlines.

Age: ca. 1980s–1990s. Colors are strong with light, even patina; no oxidized browns or old restoration typical of pre-war pieces.

Distinctive features: Ruyi meander main border; four-petal cartouche; corner lotus bouquets—classic Chinese set. No signature cartouche present.

Pile & density: Close-ups show a short to medium pile (~5–6 mm), compact and tightly clipped; handle is supple yet firm.

Materials: Wool pile (lustrous, tightly spun) on cotton foundation (warps/fringe and pale-dyed wefts visible on back). Dyes are modern, stable synthetics with tasteful, traditional tones.

Pattern Reading (Naqsha)

Central field: Quatrefoil cartouche with rosette; symbolizes harmony and the “four blessings.”

Lotus sprays in corners and field: purity, rebirth, serenity.

Ruyi/key-fret border: prosperity, long life, and fulfilled wishes.

Design theory: Symmetry on both axes; calm, open negative space (water field) around a concentrated center—classic Chinese balance.

Features:

Type: Hand-knotted pile rug

Dimensions: 0.30 × 0.30 m (12" × 12") excluding fringe

Foundation: Cotton warps & wefts

Pile: Wool, short/medium clipped (~5–6 mm)

Knot density (est.): ~100–140 KPSI (≈10–12 × 10–12 knots per inch) based on back-view grid

Age: c. 1980s–1990s

Origin: China (North China workshop tradition)

Condition: Very good vintage. Pile even, edges and binding solid; fringes tidy with minor irregularity at tips; gentle age toning and a few negligible specks typical of use. No holes, stains, or prior repairs observed.

Use ideas: table/console topper, tea ceremony mat, altar/meditation square, under a bonsai or vase, gallery wall textile.


Authentic hand-knotted Chinese artistry in a hard-to-find square mini size

Ruyi & lotus symbolism for luck and serenity

Calming celadon/turquoise field with coral and cream—works with coastal, Japandi, chinoiserie, eclectic or boho interiors

Durable wool pile on cotton—made to be used and enjoyed

Clean, ready to place

Care Instructions

Vacuum with suction only (no beater bar) and always with the nap.

Rotate occasionally for even sun wear.

Blot spills immediately with a dry, absorbent cloth; avoid harsh chemicals.

For deep cleaning, use a rug specialist familiar with hand-knotted Chinese pieces.

If used on a hard surface, pair with a quality rug pad or felt underlay (prevents slip and protects knots).


Bring home a small slice of calm, auspicious design. This hand-knotted Chinese mini rug is ready to elevate your tea tray, altar, or gallery wall. Questions or want a bundle with other minis? I’m happy to help—add it to cart with confidence!