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Forbidden City Collection | Imperial Rug
Inspiration
Lotuses Bloom Beneath Every Step, Unfolding in Endless Succession
This antique rug was once laid within the Forbidden City. Collected by L.C. Tiffany for over thirty years, it is known in the West as the Tiffany Palace Carpet. In China, it is known by the poetic name One-Foot Lotus.
Each lotus on the rug spans one square foot. To walk across its surface is to walk upon lotus blossoms. According to Buddhist tradition, when Shakyamuni Buddha was born, he took seven steps, with a lotus emerging beneath each step.
This carpet was once permanently displayed in Empress Dowager Cixi’s worship hall.
One-Foot Lotuses, Symbols of Virtue and Auspiciousness
After three years of preparation, the antique One-Foot Lotus was sold at Christie’s New York auction in October 2020 for US$1.71 million.
We have made subtle adaptations to the original design while preserving the character and essence of this magnificent imperial rug.
One-Foot Lotus features a refined, muted palette set against a bright yellow ground. The central field is filled with rhythmically arranged one-foot lotus motifs.
The outermost border is framed by continuous bands of Wan symbols, symbolizing virtue, good fortune and continuity.
Repeating tortoise-shell motifs decorate the inner band, interspersed with Wan symbols, signifying ever-increasing honour and prosperity.
All ornamental elements are arranged with strict symmetry, creating a sense of stability, poise, and balance.
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