Oriental Rugs Dictionary
Berlin Dragon and Phoenix
The Berlin Dragon and Phoenix rug is an important early oriental carpet, generally dated to the 15th century, and associated with the small group of so-called Dragon and Phoenix carpets. Its design reflects a fusion of Chinese-inspired motifs—especially the dragon and phoenix—with the weaving traditions of the Islamic world, most likely Anatolia or a related production center. These carpets are extremely rare and are considered among the earliest surviving examples showing East Asian influence in western Asian carpet design. The Berlin example is historically important because it helps scholars trace the transmission of artistic motifs across cultures and along trade routes.
