very rare ningxia saddle rug. the roundels are depicting a qilin (the chinese unicorn) and a phoenix. some classical rugs representing a qilin are known, but this is extremly seldom on a saddle; anyway this is a rare object with luxurious design (note also the border design). the wool is incredibly good (not like the main view of the rug here!), the weave is very fine, the center design is very uncommon, the condition is very good with some repiling. the age is not bad, mid 18th century. china. 132x 66cm