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Lot Essay
Although there is some mention of Chinese rugs in chronicles of the Kangxi Emperor of 1696, stating that they were made in Ninghsia, other documentation on the subject is scant. Outlines are given on this subject matter by a few authors, notably Michael Franses ('Early Ninghsia Carpets', Hali, vol.V, no.2, pp.132-140).
The carpet offered here relates the period which Franses describes as the pinnacle of the art production where the craftsmen were in harmony with their medium (Franses: op. cit., p.140). The composition is subtle and harmonious with the beige octagon rosette pattern field framed by the swastika fret design and the outer stripe scattered with roundels. A related unusual circular carpet was sold at Sotheby's London, 16 October 1996, lot 144. Both carpets share a similar palette and composition, together with an identical swastika fretwork border suggesting their similarities in date.
The carpet offered here relates the period which Franses describes as the pinnacle of the art production where the craftsmen were in harmony with their medium (Franses: op. cit., p.140). The composition is subtle and harmonious with the beige octagon rosette pattern field framed by the swastika fret design and the outer stripe scattered with roundels. A related unusual circular carpet was sold at Sotheby's London, 16 October 1996, lot 144. Both carpets share a similar palette and composition, together with an identical swastika fretwork border suggesting their similarities in date.