The shading of Plate [N], Fig. 6, which is somewhat similar to Plate [N], Fig. 4, is characteristic of the Keen-lung and subsequent periods.
In Figs. 7, 8, 9, and 10, of Plate [N], are Key and T patterns, which are found in rugs of the Kang-hi and subsequent periods, but rarely in earlier pieces. When employed in rugs woven later than the middle of the XVIII Century they are often shaded. These meander and key-patterns are of great antiquity; and though the drawing is exceedingly simple, it is supposed that the figures from which they were derived once symbolised clouds and thunder.
A very interesting stripe derived from dragons is illustrated in Plate [N], Fig. 11. The rectangular frets represent bodies of which conventionalised heads alone betray their origin. The graceful scroll in the middle was also probably derived from dragon forms. This stripe is seen in old Kang-hi rugs.
The rectangular frets and floral forms are combined in an unusual stripe (Plate [N], Fig. 12) that appeared in rugs which were probably woven about the Yung-ching period. It shows the influence of older traditions on which are ingrafted the later inspiration.
Still more interesting is a stripe (Plate [N], Fig. 13) seen in what are known as Buddhist rugs of the Keen-lung period. In different parts of the border appear the Buddhist emblems, the Joo-e, conch, wheel of law, and knot of destiny, separated by cloud-bands and foliate and floral motives.
Plate N. Primary and Secondary Border-Stripes of Chinese Rugs
The tendency to use more ornate forms in the Keen-lung and later rugs is shown in Plate [N], Figs. 14, 15, and 16, which illustrate three stripes that with slight modifications are found in large numbers of Chinese rugs of the last half of the XVIII and the XIX Centuries.