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Antique Chinese Ningxia Tibetan Dragon Pillar Rug Qing Dynasty

Offered by: Tishu

Description
Pillar rug is a specific Chinese textile art found in Tibetan Buddhist Temples with most survived exampled dated to Qing dynasty (1644 to 1912). Mostly woven in fine wool, these rugs were not for the floor as runner despite its shape but were used to be hung and wrap around the pillars in the temple hall. Always made in a mirror pair for that purpose, the design motifs (most common one is slithering dragon in the clouds) always horizontally coiled, were conducive for its use as well.
The pillar rug on offer circa mid-19th century was woven with a soft fine wool that is silky to the touch. Woven in North-western China likely in Ningxia or Mongolia, the carpet showcases an iconic design centered by a coiled five-claws dragon with blue scales chasing a fire pearl among horizontal bands of clouds. Set on a mustard yellow background, many Tibetan Buddhism symbols are present such as hanging lanterns, lion-face masks, carps, mantra wheels and Buddhist chimes. The lower border is called Li-Shui Rocks. The colored bands represent the waves of ocean and the rock in the center is the mountain where the deities dwell. Ubiquitously found on the royal court robes of the Qing Dynasty as the bottom border, they were borrowed and used on these rugs as auspicious symbols as well. The rug was well preserved, with short tassels intact on both ends and shows a wonderful age reflected in its overall mellow and even patina.

More Information

Origin:	China
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	wool woven
Condition:	Good. Fine condition, no obvious losses or stains, fiber soft and luxuriant, overall patina commensurate with the age and well preservation.
Creation Date:	19th century
Styles / Movements:	Asian, Traditional
Patterns:	Animal/Insects, Asian/Oriental, Geometric, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	823369

Dimensions

W.	37 in;	H.	88 in;	D.	0.25 in;
W.	93.98 cm;	H.	223.52 cm;	D.	0.64 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.