A Chinese carpet

Measurements 310cm wide across the top, 310cm. across the bottom, 331cm long left side, 341cm long right side. Pile variable 4-5mm in the borders and spandrels, dark browns heavily oxidised, extensive repiling and reweaving (particularly in yellows), plain brown surround mainly repiled, all edges secured on reverse with narrow cotton tape, stitched, one side with broader tape machined. Although with restorations (not unusual for a carpet of this age), still very pretty, could do with a clean, but eminently usable. Specialist Comment: A lovely old Chinese carpet, with delightful scale and proportions, really elegant. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For discussion of Chinese carpets generally and an example with the three dimensional 'swastika' border, central medallion enclosing an animal and bird, and small spandrel motifs with a trellis and peony motif, see Chinese Carpets in the Victoria and Albert Museum’, Donald King, Hali, Vol. 5. No.2. 1982, pp.142-148, fig.5 medallion rug (130 by 67cm) (Inv.no.T.101-1909).

For discussion of the influential designs of the early carpets, and an example of an important early carpet with the dragon and fretwork combination, trellis spandrels and central medallion and incorporation of a ‘swastika’ border, attributed to Kangxi period (1662-1722), Wher Collection, Lugano, see Frances, Michael, Early Ningshia carpets, Hali, op.cit., pp.132-140, fig. 11.

For an early Ningshia carpet, West China, 17^th century (330 by 168cm) with an overall lotus and trellis design, with trellis spandrels and highly stylised central dragon and fretwork medallion, within a fretwork and entwining foliate trail see Sotheby’s, London, 21^st April 1999, lot 155, Property of Collezione Almagià. As part of a group of Chinese carpets in the Thyssen Collection, see Spuhler, Friedrich, The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection: Carpets and Textiles, London, 1988, Chinese Carpets, No.60, pp.214-215, there is Chinese carpet which shows the influence of the combination of design motifs, with the use of the fretwork border and a scrolling flowering trail border, together with a central cloud collar medallion enclosing animals and cloudbands, and floral spandrels, vases of flowers centre of two sides, and other small scattered 'hundred antique' symbols. Similarly to the present lot it has a brown border, which was used on earlier and later pieces in the classical style. It is interesting to note that Sphuler notes that when there is a combination of prototype compositions (and historic design elements) and masterful dyeing it can be very difficult to pinpoint a date.