Large Ningxia Dragon Carpet 19Th Century

A large Ningxia Dragon Carpet with two matched pairs of imperial five clawed dragons among Lingzhi shaped clouds on a soft peach coloured ground. Capped at  both ends with deep, generous borders of Lishui (sea waves). 307cm x 140cm (121 x 55 inches). China circa 1880

In the Chinese decorative arts, use of the five clawed dragon was reserved exclusively for the emperor. A five-clawed dragon rug such as this suggests an imperial connection (either personal use, imperial family, or a gift from the emperor), even if it was never physically under the emperor's feet.

Elegant, well drawn and executed in a very rare and unusual pinky/peach palette. The carpet exemplifies the aesthetics and skill of the weavers of Ningxia, which by the late 19th century was regarded as producing the finest rugs in China. Though unknown in the west at the time this piece was created, by the early 20th century these magnificent and understated rugs were finding a new audience through high end retailers such as Tiffany’s in New York. 

Condition: Excellent overall, with soft full pile and only a few small pulls. Professionally cleaned. Ends and selvages original. There are scattered areas of low pile, and one dye (a light taupe colour used for the dragon's whiskers and tail ends) that has corroded uniformly, leaving behind the characteristic “embossed” look that can only be found on a genuine antique rug. 

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