Details
A SILK AND GILDED METALLIC THREAD CARPET
LATE QING DYNASTY

The central panel finely woven with a central full-faced dragon surrounded by a further four in the corners, flanked by Buddhist Emblems and cloud scrolls reserved on a ground of gilded copper-wrapped threads, framed by a wide border containing stylised floral scrolls within thin bands, with a three character hall mark at the top reading Ningshou Gong, 'Palace of Peace and Longevity', some wear
108 x 70 in. (274 x 178 cm.)

Lot Essay

Ningshou Gong, 'The Palace of Peace and Tranquility', was purposely built for use as Qianlong's official retirement residence, although the Emperor eventually chose to reside at Yu Fa Yuan, 'The Imperial Garden'. Ningshou Gong was later used by the Dowager Empress Cixi (1835-1908) as a function room to receive guests.

Compare with another silk and gilded metallic thread carpet of similar date sold in our New York Rooms, 2 December 1993, lot 133, woven with nine dragons within the central medallion and bearing the hall mark Taihe Dian Beiyong, 'For the Use in the Hall of Supreme Harmony'.

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