A NINGHSIA RUG, WEST CHINA |

Overall measurements: 135cm across the top, 138cm across the bottom, 195cm the left hand side, 193cm the right hand side. Condition generally fair to low. In areas where the field colour reads as a slightly stronger salmon, the salmon ground and associated blue fretwork are re-piled. These areas are principally in upper half of field, borders (both lower left and right), some minor areas in the lower rank of 'bats' in the field. The brown surround is later, as visible in the detailed photograph of the weave on Sothebys.com.
"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 comparable examples of 'kang' (daybed) covers, rugs and carpet, from the 18th and 19th centuries, with variations of this distinctive design incorporating the bat (biān fú) motif against the Buddhist swastika character border, see König, Hans and Franses, Michael, Glanz de Himmelssöhne, Kaiserliche Teppiche aus China 1400 – 1750, Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst, Köln, exhibition catalogue,  London, 2005, pp.124-133, cat. nos. 40-46, including examples which incorporates variants of the auspicious dragon in the spandrels and in roundels in central pinched medallions.