A Qing dynasty(1644-1911) silk and metal thread dragon rug, China. Design of five Imperial five-clawed dragons surrounded by cloud formations, border with classical Buddhistic ornaments, ends with "holy mountain" and sea wave motifs. The centre with silk pile ornaments on a field of silvered brass or copper foil threads, brocaded in a sumakh-like thechnique. John F. Haskins, the author of "Imperial Carpets From Peking", Pittsburg, 1973 mention this particular design as one of the four classical designs in silk and metal thread rug. Mint condition. Late Qing Dynasty. 207 x 125 cm.