NORTH WEST CHINA, FIRST HALF 19TH CENTURY

Details

AN 'RKO' FRET DRAGON MEDALLION KANSU RUG
NORTH WEST CHINA, FIRST HALF 19TH CENTURY
Localised spots of wear and corrosion, minor associated repiling, overall good condition
5ft.10in. x 3ft. (179cm. x 91cm.)

Literature

Hans König, 'The RKO' Family, Hali, Issue 110, p.97, fig.2

Special notice

These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction. This lot will be removed to Christie’s Park Royal. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. Our removal and storage of the lot is subject to the terms and conditions of storage which can be found at Christies.com/storage and our fees for storage are set out in the table below - these will apply whether the lot remains with Christie’s or is removed elsewhere. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Christie’s Park Royal. All collections from Christie’s Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s it will be available for collection on any working day 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Lots are not available for collection at weekends.

Brought to you by

Behnaz Atighi Moghaddam

BAtighiMoghaddam@christies.com 44 20 7389 2509

Lot Essay

Typically the 'RKO' group measure no more than 5ft. by 2ft.6in., which would suggest that they were woven for a specific purpose. Contemporary writings record the use of similar rugs as alter covers, where the central panel would fit the top of the alter while the pelmet decoration at either end would hang down at the front and back, (Sandra Whitman, 'Articles of Faith', Hali 194 Winter, 2017, pp.67-69). A closely related example, with a fret-dragon medallion but devoid of end panels, was with Sandra Whitman and is illustrated by König (Hali 110, p.105, fig.14). Please refer to lot 283, in the present sale, for a fuller discussion on the group.

More from Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds Including Oriental Rugs and Carpets

View All