1890s Beige Foo Dog Classic Antique Chinese Ningxia Rug 5'0" X 7'9 Knotted Wool Carpet

Details

Description

Antique Chinese, Ningxia rug, size: 5'0" x 7'9".

Antique Chinese - Ningxia Chinese 1890s Rug, Country of Origin: China, Circa … Read more Antique Chinese, Ningxia rug, size: 5'0" x 7'9".

Antique Chinese - Ningxia Chinese 1890s Rug, Country of Origin: China, Circa Date: 1890s. This exceptional piece is a vivid example of late 19th-century weaving, representing the sophisticated symbolic tradition found in the finest antique rugs from the region.

The open, camel-toned field is dominated by a playful yet powerful procession of stylized Foo Dogs, rendered primarily in deep indigo and contrasting apricot hues. This unusual, non-medallion composition utilizes an allover pattern where the figures are scattered dynamically across the surface. Such bold, graphic imagery is characteristic of ningxia rugs produced for the domestic market during the Qing Dynasty's twilight years.

The palette is highly restrained, relying on the contrast between the light ground and the saturated blues of the primary motifs and the wide, complex border. The border itself incorporates classic Chinese symbols, including the Shou character and stylized cloud bands, demonstrating the enduring artistic vocabulary of Chinese rugs. The use of strong, saturated indigo provides necessary grounding for the energetic central design.

Preserved in remarkable condition for its age, this piece retains excellent pile height and color saturation. Its dimensions place it perfectly within the category of small scatter size rugs, making it an ideal accent piece for an entryway, study, or beside a bespoke piece of furniture, offering a rare glimpse into late Imperial Chinese artistry. See less