late 18th century, 231 x 361 cm, West China

A large Ningxia in a horizontal format dating from the late Qianlong period (1736–1795). The field shows a close-meshed swastika lattice as a background design, woven tone on tone in light brown and beige. Five circular medallions depicting a blue dragon in front view are superimposed upon it. The medallion in the middle, the central motif, is clearly accentuated by its size. Originally the four outer dragons were arranged in mirror image. The shorter distance of the medallions on the left is the result of the rug being reduced in width. The dark blue main border shows a meandering vine drawn in perspective.

Low pile in places, some repiled areas of diverging colour. Cut sides, selvedges replaced. Ends reduced. Upper right corner restored. Vertically cut and reduced in width. Both ends backed with a textile band.