Antique Mongolian Gansu Tapestry

About This Piece

Vintage Design

The most beautiful and unusual double sided kilim tapestry. 276cm x 117cm.

Featuring woven Taoist cranes and block printed decorative elements over the most astonishingly attractive ombre pink/coral/orange background. The print elements (applied to both sides) fade in and out of the background, giving the piece a painterly feel unlike any other textile we have seen. The use of so called "eccentric weft" in the tapestry allows for genuine curvilinear forms, not the approximations found in most weavings.

The origin and purpose of these textiles has been debated and disputed for many years. Being attributed as Korean by the Japanese, and Chinese “of obscure origin” to early scholars in the west. We now know they were created by Uyghur and Monguor artisans in China's Gansu province. Extensive research by art historian Gloria Gonick has established these tapestries were made not as wall hangings, but to be worn as mantles; the main motif sitting at the wearers upper back and the minor motifs at the hips and shoulders.

Condition is overall very good. The selvages are original, fraying in places but for the most part intact. The warp threads at the ends are untied/unfinished, originally there would have been a couple more stripes at the top and bottom. It has been cut down at some point probably as a result of damage to the ends. It has been professionally cleaned and the colours are strong and vibrant. There is a stain to the left edge that we have lightened but were unable to fully remove. It is similar in tone to the printed elements so doesn't detract too much. Two small areas of wear to the weft threads on the main field, (the wefts are gone but the warps are still present).

Provenance:
Formerly the property of renowned Victorian theatre director Henry Kiell Ayliff (1871-1949).

For similar examples, see Lot 140 Christie's Fine European and Oriental Carpets June 2006, and Early Carpets and Tapestries of the Eastern Silk Road by Gloria Gonick.

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Design Period	Before 1890
Production Period	Unknown
Country of Manufacture	Mongolia
Style	Asian Antique
Detailed Condition	Good — This vintage/antique item may have some wear such as scratches and other signs of ageing.
Restoration and Damage Details	Light wear consistent with age and use, One stain to the left edge, Some wear
Product Code	OLB-1254451
Materials	Wool
Color	Coral
Width	117 cm 117 cm
Depth	1 cm 0.4 cm
Height	276 cm 276 cm

Shipping & Delivery

Ships from	United Kingdom
Returns	Returns accepted within fourteen days of delivery, except for Made-to-order items

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Delivery Details

Delivery will be completed by a parcel service such as UPS, DHL, or FedEx.
You will receive a tracking number to monitor the status of your shipment.
Delivery will take place between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection.
Item will be left in its packaging after delivery.
A signature will be required upon delivery.

*Important Note

Please examine the packaging upon delivery. In the event that there are visible signs of damaged packaging, please indicate the problem on the Delivery Note, take pictures, and—if the item inside shows damages—contact us within 48 hours of delivery. A signed delivery receipt without notations regarding damaged packaging represents your acceptance of the completed order in perfect condition.