A Chinese carpet

Pile ranges from good 1/5" in blues and borders with caramels oxidized to knotheads and foundation. Also some scattered areas of wear in foldwear low to knotheads and foundation. Scattered spot stains, minor repiling to foldwear. A 2" repaired vertical slit in field. 2'x.2" reweave in upper left edge. Some small nicks in sides. Original selvages with some losses and repairs. Original lower flatwoven end finish. Upper end with repiled old moth damage, now secured with cloth band sewn to reverse. Will enhance with cleaning, extremely supple handle, lustrous wool. Sound fabric and respectable condition for age.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This carpet features the 'longevity' design, which is a lattice of 'four-cloud' motifs forming compartments or niches.  Here each niche encloses a bat, a peach, a butterfly or a floral spray, auspicious symbols of luck and joy.   The 'longevity' pattern first appeared in carpets woven during the Kangxi period (1661-1722).   There are some 35 extant carpets known from this period, see Hans König and Michael Franses,  Glanz der Himmelsöhne, Köln and London, 2005, p. 218 for a listing of the Kangxi carpets.    The Kangxi version of the design included only peaches and bats in alternating rows within the lattice, as well as differing border schemes from the present example.   The present carpet closely follows the earlier carpets in its color palette and rendering of the design elements.  The floral major border, dot inner border and outer dark blue border of this lot are characteristics of Ch'ien-lung (1736-1796) and 19th century Chinese carpets, for examples, see figs. 287 and p. 341, M.S. Dimand and Jean Mailey, Oriental Rugs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1973.