803-2 / Yongzheng Garden
2.45×3.8米 / 8×12.5 feet

The original piece is an unusual Ningxia silk carpet, made in the 18th century, Yong Zheng Period. 
This masterpiece, exhibited at the Cologne East Asian Art Museum in 2005, again appeared at Sotheby's London, 2008.

The scrolling peonies in the field are similar to those depicted in Ming Dynasty porcelain and silk embroidery. The red color of the field is different from the "wood-red" of the existing Ningxia carpets. It is probably dyed with a special kind of madder. Besides Xinjiang carpets, red is not common in traditional Chinese rugs. One reason is that it is difficult for the madder from inland China to dye pure red. Usually, common colors are red-ocher and red-camel. The curly triangular leaves are either yellow or white, and they seem to be wavering in the wind. The flowers are arranged diagonally, and their colors are repeated every four rows. The flower & vine, key pattern, and money pattern in the three borders are all typical Ningxia designs in the 17th and 18th centuries. The entire carpet is gorgeous and rich in color, and the quality of the silk is excellent. Especially the well-preserved condition makes this carpet one of the most magical masterpieces in the history of carpet-making in the world.

Above: Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza collection in Madrid, Spain.