Antique 17th century Ningsia Oriental Rug 3285

Antique Ningsia, China, 17th Century Antique Ningsia carpets like this outstanding example, produced under the auspices of the Chinese imperial palace, are the epitome of understated elegance and aristocratic restraint. A very few cloud motifs rendered almost as rosettes float across an open tan-ocre field. Additional cloud-like vinescrolls in pale saffron subtly full the remaining space, although they barely show up against the tan ground. Narrow borders of half-rosettes and fretwork enclose the entire composition with consummately reserved complexity. The beauty of the design and the color are accented by the soft lustrous texture of the wool.