CIRCA: 1900 / early 1900’s
A somewhat unusual shaped saddle carpet* made in the Baotou / Inner Mongolia region of China towards the end of the Qing Dynasty. It has a simple but elegant design featuring a single yellow crane either side on a background of a beautifully abrashed deep blue. In Chinese mythology the crane is a symbol of longevity, immortality, and wisdom, and is considered the ‘prince of all birds’ while the yellow crane itself is associated with nobility and prestige. It also represents high status or rank and is an indication of esteem and admiration. During the (Ming and) Qing dynasties, the wearing of a robe with a ‘Mandarin Square’ depicting a crane signified the highest rank (or ‘1st Level’) attainable by a civil official. The size is 103cm x 58cm, it was made circa 1900 and has cotton warp and weft. There is a repair adjacent to the center line and both ends have had some restoration. Otherwise it is in good condition. ALREADY SOLD
*It is hard to say with certainty whether this was used as an under-saddle carpet or an over-saddle carpet. The shape indicates an under-saddle carpet, but the size tends somewhat more towards an over saddle carpet. We believe it is probably an under-saddle carpet.