In 1988, E. Stautmans was finally able to produce work, which was particularly close to his heart: "a Chinese Carpet" inspired by the carpets of the Chinese province of Sinkiang. This is still his favorite, as it enabled him to give free rein to his love of decoration and pure ornamental motifs. This iridescent floral tapestry, a masterpiece of scrolls and arabesques, must have looked magical to the many spectators who saw it from the balcony of the Town Hall in the evening under the spotlights.