Stunningly beautiful 19th century Ningxia 'runner' - or very long carpet - consisting of 14 squares, that was made in the Ningxia region of China specifically for use in a Buddhist monastery for monks to sit and meditate on. Unfortunately it is too long to show it at full length in one photo. It is rare to find one still so long and in such good condition, as they are often cut into smaller segments / single squares so as to sell for more money (or so the thought / unfortunate practice goes with some people). Beautiful rich saturated natural dyes are used for a minimum of colours throughout, i.e a pinkish-red, blues and gold / yellow. The outer border of each square has an interlocking swastika design with two flowers ‘anchoring’ each side of a single square. The main inner field has a subdued flower in either corner and features a floral roundel mandala at the center. Cotton warp and weft, size 8.2m x 0.60m (323” x 23.5”) made in the latter half of the 1800’s and overall in excellent condition for its age. Of a size and condition not usually encountered any longer on the market, it is thus a discerning collectors piece.