A fine Imperial kesi floor covering section
QianlongFinely woven in delicate polychrome silk and gold wrapped threads with six five-clawed dragon roundels reserved on a gold ground, strewn with a variety of fruit and flower sprays and bats in flight, all within a border of The Eight Treasures, babao, amongst foaming waves, framed within an outer border of lotus meander and polychrome scrolling foliage on a dark ground. 217cm x 154cm (85.3/8in x 60.5/8in).
注脚
The decorative design on this Imperial floor covering combines auspicious iconographic Imperial dragon roundels with informal motifs of seasonal fruit and flower sprays and waves with precious emblems, typical of Qianlong design. The size indicates that it was made for a more intimate setting within the Forbidden City. Floor coverings were displayed either under or in front of a throne, to define the space of the Imperial presence.Compare with a very similar kesi floor covering, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27 November 2007, lot 1824.