A SILK AND METALLIC THREAD CARPET

19TH CENTURY

Details

A SILK AND METALLIC THREAD CARPET
19TH CENTURY
The central field is woven with a phoenix perched on a tall rock, amidst blossoming peony and a tall leafy tree, beneath birds in flight beneath the sun and clouds, all on a metallic ground. The design is set within decorative borders of key-fret and roundels alternating with floral sprays. There is a five-character mark reading Ningshou Gong Beiyong (made for use in the Palace of Peace and Longevity) at the top.
48 ½ x 84 in. (123.2 x 213.4 cm.)

Provenance

Christie's New York, 3 December 1992, lot 157.
Property from the Lai Family Collection.

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. Another silk and metallic carpet with the Ningshou Gong hallmark was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29 April 2002, lot 583.

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