Lot 597
- 597
A RARE LARGE IMPERIAL YELLOW-GROUND CUT VELVET AND METALLIC-WRAPPED THREAD KANG CARPET QING DYNASTY, YONGZHENG PERIOD |
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- silk, textile
- 141 ¾ in. by 74 ½ in., 361 by 189 cm
consisting of three joined panels of cut and uncut silk velvet, the center decorated with a lattice medallion enclosing a pink floret, surrounded by four large pink peony blossoms and feathery leafy scrolls in pale green and blue, with blue archaistic kuilong in the corners, all enclosed within an angular scroll border, further surrounded by a band of meandering lotus scrolls and pairs of confronting dragons, the back with lining
Condition
The carpet with loose threads- particularly the silver wrapped threads, fraying and wear - particularly the pink silk threads, and there is repaired tear to one corner and the two seams have been reinforced. There is wear overall and some dark staining to one short end from being rolled.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
Lavish carpets of this type were made to adorn imperial residences, often to cover grand furniture such as the kang, a platform that was heated by braziers with other furniture placed on top. The use of the carpet could be adapted according to the weather, such as placing additional layers underneath for added insulation. The colors and emblems associated with the imperial family were carefully selected, seen on the present piece in the yellow ground, the color of the emperors, along with the dragon borders and Buddhist motifs.
Silk pile cut-velvet appears to have been utilised in China from as early as the sixteenth century with this foliate design developed in the early Qing dynasty (1664-1911) and produced throughout the reign. According to Feng Zhao in Treasures in Silk, Hangzhou, 1999, p. 336, velvet is a warp-pile weave that can be divided into several categories, and is considered to be one of the high achievements of the weaver’s art. The present carpet is constructed of three silk-velvet panels that have been joined together. It incorporates both cut and uncut techniques, whereby the pile loops are cut to form the velvet pattern or remain untouched respectively.
Closely related kang carpets, but rendered in various colours, include one sold in these rooms, 25th February 1983, lot 130; another sold at Christie’s New York, 29th November 1990, lot 382; and a smaller version sold in these rooms, 19th March 1997, lot 143. Compare related carpets attributed to the early eighteenth century with a floral design and a single axis of symmetry, such as one depicting a large chrysanthemum bloom amongst foliate scrolls enclosed within a triple border of various designs, from the collections of The Textile Gallery, London, Lady Schiennen, and Asian Art Gallery, London, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th April 2010, lot 1861; and another, sold at Christie’s New York, 2nd June 1989.
Silk pile cut-velvet appears to have been utilised in China from as early as the sixteenth century with this foliate design developed in the early Qing dynasty (1664-1911) and produced throughout the reign. According to Feng Zhao in Treasures in Silk, Hangzhou, 1999, p. 336, velvet is a warp-pile weave that can be divided into several categories, and is considered to be one of the high achievements of the weaver’s art. The present carpet is constructed of three silk-velvet panels that have been joined together. It incorporates both cut and uncut techniques, whereby the pile loops are cut to form the velvet pattern or remain untouched respectively.
Closely related kang carpets, but rendered in various colours, include one sold in these rooms, 25th February 1983, lot 130; another sold at Christie’s New York, 29th November 1990, lot 382; and a smaller version sold in these rooms, 19th March 1997, lot 143. Compare related carpets attributed to the early eighteenth century with a floral design and a single axis of symmetry, such as one depicting a large chrysanthemum bloom amongst foliate scrolls enclosed within a triple border of various designs, from the collections of The Textile Gallery, London, Lady Schiennen, and Asian Art Gallery, London, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th April 2010, lot 1861; and another, sold at Christie’s New York, 2nd June 1989.