Northeast China, c. 240 x 153 cm, 19th century during the reign of Emperor Puyi, an inscription indicates that the carpet was manufactured ‘to be used by the emperor in the Hall of Preserving Harmony’ at the imperial palace in Beijing (Forbidden City). The Hall of Preserving Harmony is a very important construction created in the 15th century to the south-east of the Forbidden City.
The building was an architectural masterpiece. There are no supporting pillars, and a 250-ton marble track for the imperial litter was transported to the Forbidden City on a layer of ice. During the Ming period, the Emperor would wear his ceremonial garments and rehearse there before performing a ritual. In the Qing period, the hall was also used as a residence for the Shunzhi and Kangxi emperors, and as a location for State receptions in honour of high-ranking guests. Along with the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Hall of Central Harmony, the Hall of Preserving Harmony constitutes the centre of the imperial city. Knotted on cotton foundation in polychrome silk on orange background are five dragons with flaming pearl, surmounted by the aforementioned inscription "Baohe Dian", all sides complete, silk pile with signs of wear, edge damage. (MA)

Further reading:
Hans König and Michael Franses, Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst, Köln, Glanz der Himmelssöhne, Kaiserliche Teppiche aus China 1400 - 1750; H. A. Lorentz, A view of Chinese Carpets; Eberhart Herrmann, Asiatische Teppich und Textilkunst, vol. 4, plate 25; Dorotheum auction catalogue, Oriental carpets, textiles and tapestries, April 2015, lot 72; Kunstmagazin Weltkunst, July 2015, no. 103, pp. 74–82.