26.
Mongolian Carpet
Northern China
Circa 1870
345 x 325 cm (11’4” x 10’8”)
Notes:
Asymmetrically knotted wool pile on a cotton foundation
Today Mongolian carpets are highly appreciated for the geometric character of their design and for their neutral palette, which is often centred on an ivory/brown colour combination.
Here the geometric medallion and spandrels are balanced by a repeat pattern of stylised flowers alternated to butterflies. The composition is framed by a wide and powerful border ornated by large shou ideograms (Chinese symbols for long life) in its two versions.