The Flying Dragon - An Exhibition of Old Chinese Dragon Rugs (Spring 2000) (27 April - 8 May 2000) The dragon is a powerful symbol for the Chinese.., Rugs bearing the dragon symbol originate from Inner Mongolia, Tibet, Ningxia, Gansu and Beijing. They were originally used as pillar coverings in Buddhist monasteries, door curtains, sitting rugs, saddle rugs and chair or stool carpets. Throne carpets consist of two sections - one for the seat and one for draping across the back of the throne. They usually feature five dragons - a large one in the centre with smaller ones at the four corners - or three dragons assembled in the centre.