- 239
AN IMPERIAL SILK AND METAL THREAD CARPET QING DYNASTY
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description
with a gold ground centred by a five-clawed dragon medallion in a field of blossoming vines, each corner with dragon spandrels within a lotus scroll border, silk fringe, five character hall-mark to border
Condition
The carpet is in overall good condition. There is one small repair to the gold metallic thread. The metallic threads are of a 'bronzed' appearance and with some space between so that the weft of the carpet is visible. The colours of the silk are of a more subtle, creamy golden tone than the illustration suggests.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The five-character inscription Taihe Dian bei yong suggests that the carpet was made for the 'Hall of Supreme Harmony' in the Forbidden City in Beijing. The Taihe Dian is one of the most important throne halls in the Imperial Palace complex. It was used by the Qing Emperors on celebratory occasions and to mark the New Year and winter solstice.
See a carpet of very similar design, also made for use in the Taihe Dian, offered in our New York rooms, 24th March 1998, lot 441; and another related carpet of similar size, with the same five characters woven in a cartouche in the upper border indicating its location, included in the exhibition Imperial Carpets from Peking, University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery, Pittsburg, 1973, cat. no. 1.