Ningxia Pillar Rug
280 x 103 cm (9' 2" x 3' 5")
China,
Condition: good, low pile in places, signs of use
Warp: cotton, weft: cotton, pile: woolaround 1940
A rare deep blue ground pillar rug decorated with an imposing and skillfully drawn dragon, flying among stylized clouds (Ryuyi) in front of a flaming pearl (the symbol of purity). At the feet of the dragon the Sacred Mountain and various Buddhist symbols of good fortune are seen as well as waves representing the ocean. Examples of this type are called 'pillar' rugs since they were used to wrap around the columns in the Lamaist Buddhist monasteries in China, Mongolia and Tibet. This fine pillar rug was hand-knotted and woven in Ningxia. The autonomous Province of Ning Xia shares borders with Mongolia and has a rich carpet tradition and access to superb wool.
Ningxia Pillar Rug, Fine, 280 x 103 cm (9' 2" x 3' 5")
Antique: 100 years old and over.
Semi-Antique: 50 to 99 years old.
Vintage: 20 to 49 years old.