Xinjiang Carpet Art Research

Woolen fabrics are the fruits of wisdom in the process of production and living among the nomads in Xinjiang. Woolen fabrics technology of Hetian in Xinjiang, which formed during the Spring and Autumn period, has developed for nearly3,000years. Lots of exquisite historic relics unearthed from ancient Keliyayuansha city, Niya’ relics and ancient Shanpula tombs have represented the highest technical level for Woolen fabrics in East Asia at that time. With the thriving of the Silk Road, Hetian carpets, having been paid as tributes to Central Plains, even far away to Central Asia and Europe, have absorbed the essence of Persian carpets, Indian carpets and Central Plains’ carpets, which in turn have reached a better and mature level. Hetian carpets, well known for its exquisite handicrafts, florid patterns, and distinctive national characteristics, are noted as “Oriental Carpet”. Five carpets with figures’ design have been unearthed from Ancient Pula tombs of Tianluopu Mountain in2008, which were rare in the carpet history of Xinjiang, even of the whole world. These five carpets made the carpet technology history in Xinjiang more inspiring, which could help to perfect the carpet research.This paper focuses on the Hetian carpet craftsmanship, features of the pattern designs, Hetian as the key field work place. In addition, this paper have done a detailed classified analysis on the history, background, craftsmanship, decorative patterns of Hetian carpet through the methods of collecting data, investigation and interview, as well as comparative analysis. And on this basis, this paper have made some further research on Hetian carpet with the help of historical materials, experts work, pictures and so on.