Original China Bao Tao carpet, end of 19th and beginning of 20th century On a midnight blue background two phoenixes on rocks (symbol of the Empress, a mythical bird reigning over all other birds, representing the five virtues of Confucius, benevolence, charity, humanity, honesty and righteousness) framing a floral composition, a tree on the left, and a red moon in the center against the background Main border decorated with branches of lotus flower buds Technical characteristics : wool velvet on cotton background Dimensions : 238 x 168 cm Good general condition

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.