CIRCA: 2nd half 1800’s
Small Lion-Dog carpet / seating square from the Baotou-Suiyuan region of China, that may have originally been part of a long runner. Five Lion-Dogs, mythical creatures that symbolize guardianship, success and prosperity inhabit the central field – one circular-encased central Lion-Dog with a cloud over its head, while underneath is a design suggestively of ‘The Coin’, one of the Eight Precious Things, symbolising (even more) good fortune – with four other Lion-Dogs surrounding it in the main field. The main field itself is then enclosed by an inner border of pearls, which is then surrounded by a ‘flowered diamond’ secondary border. The main outer border is the so-called Greek or ‘running’ T design. All natural dyes, the main field possibly being from logwood (or brasilwood), while the wool is fine and glossy. Overall it is good condition for its age; the selvages are intact and the pile is good throughout, although the ends could use stabilising in parts, and there is a very old repair in the upper right corner. A very attractive piece full of character and mirth which emanates a warm peaceful feeling.