Early Ningxia Rug with Lotus Flowers
arly Ningxia Rug: A Rare and Beautiful Chinese Carpet
This early Ningxia rug is a rare and exquisite example of early Chinese carpet weaving. It features an infinite repeat pattern of parallel and offset rows of blue and ivory lotus blossoms, symbols of purity, set against a two-tone yellow background. The archaic, angular drawing style, especially evident in the peony and tendril border, distinguishes the weavings of the Kangxi period, marking the start of China’s golden age of carpet weaving.
Kangxi carpets reflect the artistic developments of the preceding Ming dynasty (1368-1644), showcasing a refined maturity in their design. They celebrate a plethora of archaic patterns, tastefully juxtaposed to create some of the most elegant weavings from the East.