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.
