246 x 160 cm (8' 1" x 5' 3")
China, early 19th century
Condition: good for its age, low pile in places, scattered small repairs and reweaves
Warp: cotton, weft: silk, pile: silk with metal brocade
Chinese silk carpets with metal brocading rank among the most elaborate creations of tradition-al Chinese carpet weaving. The combination of silk pile with additional metal threads required considerable technical skill and was particularly associated with the production of luxurious ceremonial and decorative textiles. However, actual use at the imperial court cannot be estab-lished for every carpet of this type.
The present example features a strictly structured lattice composition reminiscent of traditional Chinese compartmentalised designs. The central field is divided into 28 rectangular compart-ments, each containing a stylised, symmetrically arranged floral medallion. Small floral ro-settes accentuate the intersections of the lattice. Right-angled ornaments in the corners of the individual compartments reflect motifs drawn from classical Chinese decorative art.
A broad border decorated with regularly repeated diamond-shaped medallions surrounds the central field. Several narrow, blue-ground guard stripes provide a transition between the field and the main border. The combination of various shades of blue, golden yellow and muted beige tones reflects a colour palette characteristic of Chinese carpets of the Qing dynasty.
Particular attention should be paid to the metal brocading, whose metallic sheen highlights the ornamental details. The luxurious use of materials, the regular compartmentalised composition and the meticulously executed details make this carpet a remarkable example of Chinese luxury carpet weaving from the early 19th century.
Estimate: € 10000 - 14000