AN INSCRIBED SILK AND METAL THREAD 'PALACE' RUG Late Qing Dynasty, North China With two rows of four floral roundels within rectilinear borders, framed by further floral and foliate pattern bands, reserved on an ochre ground, the top edge inscribed baohedian yuyong (Imperial Hall of Preserving Harmony). 182cm (71 5/8in) long x 121cm (47 5/8in) wide. Footnotes: 清晚期 寧夏團花毯 「保和殿御用」款 The Hall of Preserving Harmony 保和殿 (bǎo hé diàn) is one of the three halls of the Outer Court of the Forbidden City in Beijing, located behind the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Hall of Central Harmony. Historically, it was used by emperors for important ceremonies and banquets. The phrase 'imperial use' (御用, yù yòng) indicates that this rug was specifically made for use within the Forbidden City, likely commissioned for the Imperial court during the Qing Dynasty. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing