A Ninghsia Pillar Rug, West China

87cm across the top, 88cm across the top, 234cm the left hand side, 235cm the right hand side. Soft lustrous wool with flexible handle. Generally even 4mm pile overall. With minor oxidisation to some ares including dark browns and the light mushroom colour used within the main field. There are small areas where pile is down to knotbars and minor evidence of foundation, for example vertical area of left side in three section within the main salmon ground, the first being visible to the left of the paired fish to the centre and another small area in bottom right quadrant. Within the top frieze the pink area between two motifs on the left side is probably later repair. Both ends overlocked with warp fringing with original overcast sidecords. This is a dramatic and beautifully balanced composition including classical Chinese symbolic elements. A charming pillar rug.
"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."

Chinese rugs and pillar rugs sometimes incorporated combinations of the symbols considered to be amongst those with auspicious status: the 'twelve symbols', the 'eight precious objects', used by the Emperor and those recognised as the attributes of the 'mythological eight immortals', and the 'eight Buddhist emblems' (four of which were royal tokens of Buddha and four of the religion). Some of which are on the present pillar rug; the mountain, cloud bands and waves, the endless knot, conch shell, lotus flower and pair of fish. Not unusual elements for pillar rugs, with their association with Buddhist temples. For a very similar pillar rug, circa 1800, (236 by 89cm), with variation in the symbols used, see Sotheby's, New York, 22nd September 1993, lot 119.