Somewhat unusual shaped saddle carpet made in the Baotou / Inner Mongolia region of China toward the end of the Qing Dynasty. It has a simple but elegant design featuring a single yellow crane either side on a background of a beautifully abrashed deep blue. The crane was a much revered bird in China and the yellow crane is associated with nobility and prestige and represents high status or rank. During the (Ming and) Qing dynasties, the wearing of a robe with a ‘Mandarin Square’ depicting a crane signified the highest rank attainable by civil officials. The size is 103cm x 58cm (40.5in x 23cm), it was made circa 1900 and has cotton warp and weft. There is a repair adjacent to the center line and both ends have had some restoration. Otherwise it is in good condition. For more photos and information please see https://warpandweft.club/portfolio-item/baotou-suiyuan-item-26/