Ming dynasty carpet that may have graced the throne valued at US$5.4 million in upcoming Christie’s auction

There are only 39 known intact carpets from the Ming dynasty and only 16 that feature an imperial dragon

An American couple originally bought the carpet on their honeymoon in China in 1920 before it was sold to a person in Switzerland in 1987

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A carpet from the Ming dynasty is expected to be valued at between US$4.08 million to US$5.4 million at an upcomig auction at Christie's. CREDIT: Christie's

Published: 2:00pm, 30 Oct 2021

A Ming dynasty-era carpet will be valued at between US$4.08 million and US$5.4 million at a Christie’s auction scheduled for November 23 in Paris.

The carpet was woven in the 16th century under the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644) and would have decorated the Forbidden City. Christie’s said this carpet probably covered the floor beneath the emperor’s throne, signifying the ruler’s connection to the heavens.

It features two large five-clawed blue dragons sewn in a traditional imperial style, which would have symbolised the emperor’s power and a blessing for good luck. Chinese emperors were often called the “True Dragon”, or “Son of Heaven”.

The dragons on the carpet represent the Ming dynasty emperor. CREDIT: Christie's

Louise Broadhurst, a Christie’s rug and carpet specialist, said experts know that carpet probably was placed beneath the emperor’s throne because of “its size and photographic evidence that reveals carpets of this particular format placed on the raised kang on which the emperor’s throne would have been placed.”

She said that there is also some damage from a heavy screen that would have been placed directly behind the throne.

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