NORTH CHINA, FIRST HALF 18TH CENTURY

This runner is part of a small group of Chinese weavings of similar design. Their subtle charm is embodied by a trailing vine interspersed with elegant peonies; significant in the Chinese design vocabulary as a sign of Spring, good fortune and love (Hallvard Kåre Kuløy, Tibetan Rugs, Bangkok, 1982, p.53). A 17th century example which uses an almost identical design, although with a slightly darker palette, is published by H. A. Lorentz (A View of Chinese Rugs from the seventeenth to the twentieth century, London & Boston, 1972, pl.21, p.108) and a pair dated to the 19th century are in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection (Friedrich Spuhler, The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection Carpets and Textiles, London, 1998, pls.56-77, p.217). A further example of similar design but lacking the blue swastika border and slightly earlier in date than the present lot, is published by John J. Eskenazi (Il Tappeto Orientale Turin, 1987, pl.321, p.471) and another was offered in these Rooms, 5 April 2011, lot 241. A later example with a darker pallette sold in Christie’s New York, 7-8 February 2006, lot 193.