Fragment with tiger and leopard pelt pattern
N°
ALG 3177
Period
16th Century (Ming Dynasty)
Status
Sold
Size
120 cm x 20 cm3'11" x 7"
The weave and handle of this fragment is typical of the chunky carpets with square knots dated to the Ming period and attributed to the Imperial looms of Beijing (see for example Glanz der Himmelssohne – Kaiserliche Teppiche Aus China 1400-1750, plates 2-4 and 6). To my knowledge it is the oldest pile rug with the tiger (and leopard) pelt pattern. Also the treatment of the design is quite similar to the way it appears on Ming silk velvets.