Saddle Rug late 19th century Inner Mongolian, probably Baotou This is a good example of an Inner Mongolian under saddle rug of a type that was widely used in Tibet. It is notable for its attractive design, vibrant colors, and good condition. It appears to have come from the Baotou-Suiyuan area, a renowned rug making center in Inner Mongolia.This is an oblong under saddle rug that narrows towards the middle and has rounded ends. It is made of two symmetrical halves stitched together at the center. There are four lined rectangular holes for double girth straps, two on either side of the center. The symmetrical design of the main field features a central fretwork medallion with two floral sprigs above and below. The main field is surrounded by a narrow dotted inner border and a wider outer border filled with stylized auspicious symbols and floral blossoms. The field is light red, the borders dark blue and the designs yellowish green, light blue, white and violet. The border is notched sli