2×2 Antique Ningxia Square Rug Mat

:: Roundel center medallion with yin and yang rendering atop a covered field featuring an ancient hooked-cross motif. Colors and shades include: Cobalt blue, sky blue, beige, gold, dusty blush, sandalwood, and saffron yellow. The rug is woven at approximately 6 knots horizontally by 5 vertically per inch, or about 30 knots per square inch, with a notably open construction and little apparent warp depression. The wool pile is relatively coarse and appears consistently formed from approximately three strands. In surviving areas of fuller pile, the wool naturally opens toward the left, consistent with traditional Ningxia construction. The colors are particularly compelling. The exposed sandy-blush tones have faded softly at the surface, while deeper into the pile they retain a considerably richer dusty salmon and sandalwood coloration. Likewise, the yellow is softly muted at the tips but remains a surprisingly vivid pale, light flower or saffron yellow at the protected roots. The blues range from a classic Chinese sky blue to deep cobalt. This pronounced variation between exposed tips and protected root color is consistent with the aging and fading often encountered in early naturally dyed Chinese textiles. The overall handle is exceptionally loose and flexible, with substantial weft structure visible from the reverse. Combined with the approximately 30-knot-per-square-inch structure, early geometric design, heavily faded naturalistic palette, and seat-mat format, the rug warrants consideration as a considerably earlier example than the circa-1850 dating traditionally assigned to many Ningxia mats of this type possibly dating to the Kangxi period (1662–1722), or the late 17th to early 18th century. The archaic geometric field, restrained palette, loose and supple construction, and prominently visible wefting are all characteristics associated with early Ningxia carpet weaving. Condition notes: Areas of pile, knot heads and foundation. Most of the original side cord selvages are intact or restored. Fully secured sides and ends. Minor reduction to one end. Scattered repairs in varying degrees of expertise. Tattering and large areas of restoration, mostly confined to the main border. Etching to specific shades commensurate with age. Ideally suited as a wall hanging or display piece. Pile has recently been lightly washed and dusted, ready for in home-use! Many years of enjoyment to come with this hand knotted Chinese Ningxia square rug mat made in China circa pre-1850’s vintage. Size measures 2’1″ x 2’2″.

Item ID: 13393