Ming dynasty carpet that sat at emperor’s throne sells for US$7.16 million and is ‘heading back to Asia’
- The sale was the most expensive for Christie’s French online store
- The size of the piece, as well as spots of damage, tell us that the emperor’s throne once sat on top of the carpet
A Ming dynasty carpet that likely sat under the throne of the emperor sold for €6,881,000 (US$7.16 million) at an online Christie’s auction on Tuesday, making it the most expensive carpet ever sold by the auction house.
The carpet sold for US$1.75 million more than its valuation and became the most expensive item ever sold by Christie’s French online store.
It was woven in the 16th century and features two five-clawed dragons adorning the bottom third of the piece; a cloudy sky scene at the top half transitions into a scene of cities and hills near the bottom border. A depiction of a seed pearl adorns the centre of the carpet.
While the buyer remained anonymous, Louise Broadhurst, Christie’s Rug and Carpet specialist, said, “the carpet will finally make its way back to Asia”.
“This precious carpet from the golden age of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) is a rare survivor, and its historical importance had deservedly caught the attention of many,” she said.
Broadhurst said that the size and style of this piece signalled to experts that the carpet was specifically made to be placed under the emperor’s throne itself, signifying the monarch’s divine mandate.
In October, Broadhurst told the Post that the carpet is damaged in an area that would suggest a screen was placed on it directly behind the throne.