Buddhist Lion Rug

Buddhist Lion Rug, China, second half 19th century, wool on cotton foundation, in the center a large Buddhist lion and his globe is surrounded by four smaller lions, in the spandrels are depicted the symbols of the four scholarly attributes, an inner guard border of "pearls," the main border with stylized flowers and at both ends, paired bats, outer guard borders in blues and white, 71 1/2 x 51 1/2 in. , (small corner and end gouges, both ends overcast).