A METAL BROCADED SILK CARPET WITH FIVE DRAGONS AND INSCRIPTION China.marked Qianqing gong yu yong, late Qing dynasty 186 x 93 cm Colored wool, knotted and cut in relief. The background is flat and covered by woven metal threads. The two narrow sides with a macramé fringe of silk. The four-clawed dragons in the inner field are surrounded by clouds. The frame is formed by the diagonal lines of deep water with clouds from which rise stylized rocks. In the corners flaming beads, as well as between the dragons. On one narrow side an inscription: Qianqing gong yu yong (for imperial use in Qianqing Palace). This kind of rugs with a background of shimmering metal threads were used in the palace and the residences of high-ranking people in winter. Due to its size, the piece could have been intended for a kang or a daybed. From a North German private collection, acquired before 2007 Good general condition, only a little bit faded