a quite early big knot seating or meditation mat -not a fragment from a bench cover-, before 1700, with stylized lotus center and ramification, and also stylilized bats in the brown outlining of the lotus . it belongs to a rare group of which few examples are known. it is from many points different from what we call ningxia. the structure of the foundation share similarities with the now better known ming carpets with very thick knots and 2 published pieces in the koeln catalogue "glanz der himmelssoehne"; number 47 and 61. the color palette is also more reminiscent of the ming pieces than later ningxia stuff.it is 74x 74cm, the pile at some places is still 1,5cm thick and possibly made of camel wool. unfortunately, it has been cut because it was to small to serve directly as an under saddle. for that purpose it was sewn with cloth (indigo backing is still on the back) in the middle making it longer. most probably the strong wear on both half comes from this recycled use.surely a very rare piece (i have seen only few pieces in more than 20 years, but only 2 squares) for those interesting in this area of collecting. anyway not for every body in that kind of condition, but in good condition it would have been another price.