AN IMPERIAL SILK AND METALLIC THREAD CARPET LATE QING DYNASTY |

brightly woven against a ground of gilded copper-wrapped threads, depicting in the centre a coiled dragon in frontal pose with the beribboned babao (eight precious objects) around, framed above and below by four further dragons writhing amongst cloud scrolls contesting flaming pearls, further encircled by bands of circles and stylised floral sprays, bordered by rectangular cartouches enclosing endless knots and the an baxian (Attributes of the Eight Immortals) reserved against a floral diaper ground, the top edge with an inscription reading Qianqing Gong yuyong ('For the Imperial use in the Palace of Heavenly Purity')

Christie's Hong Kong, 30th May 2005, lot 1288.

The carpet is in overall good condition, with just expected wear and pulling to the threads. As visible in the catalogue, several of the tassels are missing.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The inscription on the present rug reads Qianqing Gong yuyong which can be translated as 'For the imperial use in the Palace of Heavenly Purity'. Located at the northern end of the Forbidden City, the Qianqing Gong was one of the three main palaces in the inner court. During the Ming dynasty, it served as the emperors' living quarters, but during the Qing dynasty the emperors used it as an audience hall for meetings with the Grand Council, receiving foreign envoys, and holding banquets. Two other rare carpets created for the Qianging Gong, decorated with rows of geometric motifs and lacking the more elaborate dragon design of the current carpet, were sold at auction, the first sold in our London rooms, 12th July 2006, lot 114; and another more recently in our New York rooms, 15th March 2017,  lot 592. decorated with dragons and inscribed with Qianqing Gong beiyong (reserved for imperial use in the Palace of Heavenly Purity), was sold in these rooms, 16th-17th September 2014, lot 208. See also an example, For an earlier example with similar design, see a Ming dynasty rug in the Palace Museum collection, Beijing, illustrated in Classics of the Forbidden City. Carpets in the Collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, 2010, p. 32.