CIRCA: 1900 – 1920
A colourful above saddle carpet made in the Ningxia region of China. These were usually made as a two piece set, that is an odd shaped one for below the saddle, and – usually – an oblong shaped one for above the saddle. The main border consist of interlinked swastikas, while the inner border features a single key meander. At either end of the burnished gold center field are clouds, mountains and waves. At the very center is what could loosely be interpreted as a double dorje design, but more likely a flower surrounded by trellis like work, and anchored by four distinctive flowers in the main field.. A mix of aniline and natural dyes, and un-dyed wool. In fairly good condition for its age, although missing a few rows of knots at one end, and showing wear commensurate with use as an above saddle carpet. A colourful but overall pleasing design possibly made for the Tibetan market