Ningxia Pillar Carpet approximately 92in x 32in or 234cm x 81cm. Latter half of the 20th century. Seemingly all vegetal dyes including what is likely a fugitive logwood dye that has washed out in the upper section and faded to pink elsewhere. The pile is full and beautiful Ningxia wool. The spiraling dragon chases the celestial pearl through ru-yi style clouds and numerous small bats or Fu. Mt. Meru appears at the bottom, of course. These rugs were often donated to buddhist temples by the weaver. When they the collections outnumbered the pillars they would sell off the older carpets. Of course during the warlord period and ww2 many were plundered. During the cultural revolution, many went on the fire. This one is an excellent example of the weaver's art with more subtlety in the design and better coloring than many others you might see.