CIRCA: early 1900’s
A colourful above saddle carpet that may have been made in the Ningxia region of China but was in all likelihood intended for the Tibetan market. The main border consist of interlinked lucky swastikas, while the inner border features a single-key meander, alternatively referred to as the ‘running dog’ meander. At either end of the burnished gold center field is a prominent depiction of clouds, mountains (the mythical Mt Meru) and waves. At the very center is what could very loosely be interpreted as a double dorje design, but is more likely a flower surrounded by trellis like work, which is then anchored by four distinctive flowers in the main field. Woven in the ealry 1900’s, it has a mix of aniline and natural dyes, a cotton warp and a wool weft (which is uncommon for a Chinese carpet) and the size is 81cm x 50cm. It is 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 that, given the Tibetan’s love of adding colour to their harsh landscape, would have been right at home in a Tibetan’s hands.