Ningxia Kang Rug c 1850

FINE MID-19TH CENTURY CHINESE NINGXIA K’ANG RUG — QING DYNASTY — APRICOT FIELD, BLUE SHOU ROUNDELS & PEONY BORDER

A particularly attractive mid-19th century Chinese Ningxia K’ang rug, dating to the Qing Dynasty and displaying the beautifully restrained palette and symbolic vocabulary associated with the finest traditional Ningxia weaving.

The composition is centered upon a warm apricot to soft orange field, punctuated by boldly articulated Shou longevity roundels in multiple shades of blue. The remarkable range of blues—from deeper indigo and blue-black tones through medium and softer pale blues—provides exceptional visual depth and contrast against the warm ground.

Surrounding the field is a finely conceived peony border, one of the most celebrated motifs in the Chinese decorative tradition. Known as the “King of Flowers,” the peony traditionally symbolizes prosperity, honor, rank and abundance, while the prominent Shou characters represent longevity. Together they create a composition rich in auspicious Qing-dynasty symbolism.

The rug belongs to the distinctive tradition of Ningxia K’ang carpets, woven for use upon the elevated heated platforms that formed an important part of northern Chinese domestic interiors. Unlike later export carpets, early Ningxia weavings are admired for their comparatively restrained drawing, subtle coloration and unmistakable sense of age.

China, Ningxia

Qing Dynasty, mid-19th century

Hand-knotted wool pile

Notable features include:

• Warm apricot/orange field

• Repeating blue Shou longevity roundels

• Sophisticated palette incorporating multiple shades of blue

• Traditional peony floral border

• Classic Ningxia proportions and design vocabulary

• Attractive surface character and patina consistent with considerable age

The combination of an apricot ground with strongly contrasting blue Shou roundels and peony borders gives this carpet considerable decorative presence while retaining the quiet sophistication for which early Ningxia weaving is prized.

A compelling example for the serious collector of early Chinese carpets and textiles, as well as an exceptional decorative object capable of anchoring either a traditional or sophisticated contemporary interior.

A genuine antique textile with expected evidence of age and use. Please examine all photographs for condition. Detailed images of the pile, foundation, reverse, selvages and individual colors are available for further study.

A handsome and highly evocative survivor of the classical Ningxia carpet-weaving tradition.