18th century, 179 x 65 cm, West China

Published by Herrmann in 1988, this Ningxia woven in the format of a table cover shows a strikingly restrained design. In the golden yellow field, a floral disc medallion enclosing four peonies and blue leaves is superimposed upon a repeat of tiny brown diagonals (so-called grain of rice design). The original ground colour of the medallion was a soft rose which has faded to a light brown hue over the course of time. The narrow, plain dark blue border traces the corners of the field, which are rounded into arches. – Signs of age and wear, low spots in the pile, minor repiled areas. Well preserved considering its great age.

RIPPON BOSWELL, A 80, 19 May 2012, lot 105 *** TABIBNIA, MOSHE (ed.), Intrecci Cínesi. Milan 2011, no. 28

HERRMANN, EBERHART, Seltene Orientteppiche X. Munich 1988, no. 122