A SILK AND METAL-THREAD CHINESE CARPET

The four Chinese characters in the upper, outer wave border read; 'Yu Yong', which refers to the Temple of Heaven within the Forbidden City, Beijing.

The vermilion or 'Chinese-Red' ground of the present carpet has a long tradition within Chinese culture and is regarded as being highly auspicious. The ruby-red shade was regarded by Taoists as the colour of life and eternity and therefore was often used to make potions meant to rejuvenate and heal, no doubt greatly shortening the lives of the elites who drank them. It was also a key component to perhaps the most legendary vermilion product, Chinese lacquer, which lead to the term, 'Chinese-Red'.