Lot 332. A large metal-thread 'landscape' carpet for the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Late Qing Dynasty. Estimate £10,000 - 15,000 (€12,000 - 18,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The carpet of rectangular shape and vertically oriented, finely woven with a central panel depicting a pair of cranes in flight between two confronted pavilions, all reserved on a ground of meandering floral scrolls flanked by four writhing dragons pursuing flaming pearls, all within polychrome ruyi and lishui borders, with a five-character inscription within a rectangular cartouche at the top reading Qianqinggong beiyong 'For use in the Palace of Heavenly Purity'. 364cm (143 2/8in) long x 271.5cm (106 6/8in) wide

Note: The 'Palace of Heavenly Purity', located at the northern end of the Forbidden City, was one of the three main palaces of the inner court. Serving as the emperor's living quarter during the Ming dynasty, it became an audience hall reserved for meetings with the Grand Council, foreign envoys, and holding banquets.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, 11 May 2017, 11:00 BST, LONDON, NEW BOND STREET