Ningxia saddle rug

A visually active pattern, the overall appearance is quite different than most Chinese rugs we see. Absent are the intrinsically sedate designs one is more accustomed to seeing, accentuated in the overall lattice design of the field by eight pointed stars connected on a diagonal axis with swastikas interspersed, framing each star, as well as the bold diamond forms outlined in dark indigo blue. The medallion, too, features these swastikas in yet another lattice configuration dominating the roundels. The border, too,is finely articulated with well-formed lotus flowers attached to scrolling vines woven in dark indigo blue. With two minor borders – a white ‘pearl’ on a blue ground flanked by classic meandering T or Greek key devices – might be viewed by some as busy, but in this weaving we are left to appreciate a tour d’ force created by someone who must have been considered a master weaver, as the complexity of patterning is a pleasure to view rather than an unwelcome distraction.