CIRCA: mid 1900’s
A mid 1900’s carpet depicting a five clawed front facing dragon meant to be wall hung – that was made in either Ningxia or the Baotou-Suiyuan region – and which is almost certainly a reproduction of a much much earlier carpet. The lack of religious symbolism points more towards it (or at least the original that is) having been made to hang on the wall in an Imperial Palace in China. Given that the script at the top is Mongolian (the meaning of which is presently unknown), the original was probably specifically commissioned and woven in Ningxia at an unknown earlier date, possibly in the 18th or 19th century(?), and used as a gift from a wealthy Mongolian family to the Chinese royal court. It is quite unusual for this genre of hanging carpet in respect that it has the dragon front-facing, as the dragon in this type of carpet is usually portrayed ‘side-on’ or ‘side-facing’ (for a much older example of a ‘side facing’ dragon see https://warpandweft.club/portfolio-item/ningxia-item-8/ ). This points to this carpet being made intentionally as a wall hanging, as opposed to encircling a pillar as the side-facing dragon carpets were specifically made for. Although made with all aniline dyes the colours are rich and harmonious – and the wool lustrous – and it is in excellent condition with full pile and no repairs; it is a carpet that could be wall hung as intended, or used on the floor should one so desire. However it is displayed this carpet is assured to gain attention in your home or office and quite reasonably priced for a rug of this nature and quality, and hence would appeal to those appreciative of quality of weave and visual aesthetics, as opposed to age being the main – or sometimes only – criteria.