of rectangular form, finely woven with an overall field of quadrangular lattice design with floral medallion repeats, enclosed by a trellis pattern set with formalized florets, all bordered by a band of wan-fret scrolls, inscribed to the top with a five-character inscription reading Qianqinggong yuyong (for the imperial use in the Palace of Heavenly Purity)

The rug in overall good condition with the silk thread retaining most of its sheen, color, and plush pile (partly worn away only at the top and left borders). There is very little fraying (only along the upper and left edges, including breaks to the silk wrapping at the top border).
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The inscription on the present rug reads Qianqinggong yuyong which can be translated as 'For the imperial use in the Palace of Heavenly Purity'. Located at the northern end of the Forbidden City, the Qianqing Gong was one of the three main palaces in the inner court. During the Ming dynasty, it served as the emperors' living quarters, but during the Qing dynasty the emperors used it as an audience hall for meetings with the Grand Council, receiving foreign envoys, and holding banquets.

A similar example, bearing the same inscription as the present lot, was sold in our London rooms, 12th July 2006, lot 114, and another, decorated with dragons and inscribed with Qianqinggong beiyong (reserved for imperial use in the Palace of Heavenly Purity), was sold in these rooms, 16th-17th September 2014, lot 208. See also a third example, decorated with similar patterns, but inscribed with Taihedian yuyong (for imperial use in the Great Hall of Supreme Harmony), sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 31st May 2010, lot 1930. For an earlier example with similar design, see a Ming dynasty rug in the Palace Museum collection, Beijing, illustrated in Classics of the Forbidden City. Carpets in the Collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, 2010, p. 32.