cially the continuous and that derived from
the hooked cross. The hooked cross we find with rounded arms, generally
in connection with a cloud band. The rosette from the vegetable motifs
is very frequent, especially in borders; also the branch and the
continuous creeper. Bats, butterflies, storks, and the goose are in many
borders. The lion--symbol of a happy omen--is often represented in those
rugs designed especially for wedding ceremonies.

[Illustration: ANTIQUE CHINESE WOOL RUG

SIZE, 7.10 x 5.2

_The modern Chinese wool rugs are not at all like this antique specimen,
which was woven in Shantung about the year 1750. The material is wool,
the pile is very thick and soft, and the texture, though loosely woven,
is lasting. A large circular form in the centre of the field is richly
decorated in a fine blue, yellow, and white floral design. Ivory is also
seen in the markings, but no other colors are used except light yellow
and a deep blue. The field is of a rare apricot hue, very unusual and
beautiful. The border holds a Chinese fret design, the symbol of long
life. This is in a rich deep blue, and the out-most part of it is in a
dark shade of blue. The separate sprays of flowers on this rug represent
the tea flower, which the Chinese use for decorative purposes, and the
larger sprays hold the imperial flower._

OWNED BY THE ESTATE OF THE LATE MR. H. O. HAVERMEYER, NEW YORK.]

In the northern part of China rugs are decorated with colored threads in
crude imitation of figures; they are woven in sections, and then sewed
together. Camel's hair of a coarse quality is used extensively by the
Chinese for their rugs, and the laboring class use felts in their
houses. These are cheap and durable, and are placed on the tiled floors
so common in the colder parts of China. The skins of the doe, deer,
and fox are much used in China as rugs. These skins are sewed together
in sections, according to various designs, and resemble mosaic work.

There are more circular rugs found in China than in any other country,
and some are exported. But they are seldom called for in this country,
and clerks in the large establishments which import them express
surprise when inquiries are made for them. The warp of the ordinary
Chinese rug is mostly of cotton, and the woof and pile are of wool or
camel's hair.

Tsun-hua rugs are made of silk and camel's hair in the province of
Chi-Li.

JAPANESE RUGS

In olden times woven rugs were not kn