Glory of the Orient

Craig Kellogg -- Interior Design, 7/1/2008 12:00:00 AM

In days of yore, traders transported Chinese rugs along the ancient Silk Road through central Asia. Today, Michaelian & Kohlberg, known for clever reinterpretations of the classics, has introduced this line of rugs. They meticulously preserve the freshness and artistry of the antique rugs' decorative motifs—rendering them in hand-spun, hand-knotted vegetable-dyed wool sourced, appropriately enough, in western China.

Blue-and-red Pomegranate presents a fruit symbolizing fertility. Mongolian Ponies depicts a herd frolicking against a neutral ground. An avian flight of fancy, Peacock and Crane features species representing, respectively, beauty and dignity or longevity . Four Vases overflows with pretty peonies and lovely lotus flowers. And Cloud Meander amplifies its message through repetition of the same celestial symbol. All are available in standard and custom sizes. 212-431-9009; michaelian.com. circle 449