Ningxia, as used today is a quality designation. They have soft
wools, low density of knots and heavy use of soft colors, especially yellow, and to some
extent pinks. The motifs are in general use in other types of Chinese rugs but are
rendered in a less constricted manner, ie. looser.
These rugs are in my opinion, and most others, the most
beautiful and well designed of all the Chinese rugs. They embody a very soft feel and at
times an almost dreamlike quality that is very difficult to put into words. This type of
rug has to be experienced; words alone simply cannot do the task.
The geography is much easier. Ningxia is a semi
independent area in North Central China bounded by Inner Mongolia with the Yellow River
running through it. It has been known for hundreds of years for its wool production.
