Period:Ming (1368–1644) or Qing (1644–1911) dynasty Date:17th century Culture:China Medium:Silk and metallic thread tapestry (kesi) Dimensions:64 1/2 x 21 1/4 in. (163.8 x 54 cm) Classification:Textiles-Tapestries Credit Line:Bequest of William Christian Paul, 1929 Accession Number:30.75.102 Unlike upholstered furniture, chairs in China were covered only temporarily with textiles, such as this silk tapestry (kesi) chair strip, designed and woven specifically as a chair covering. The lobed floral medallion was positioned on the seat of the chair, and the four-clawed dragon (mang) adorned the back. At the top of the strip, the crane is upside down because that short portion was meant to hang down behind the chair.
Period:Ming (1368–1644) or Qing (1644–1911) dynasty Date:17th century Culture:China Medium:Silk and metallic thread tapestry (kesi) Dimensions:64 1/2 x 21 1/4 in. (163.8 x 54 cm) Classification:Textiles-Tapestries Credit Line:Bequest of William Christian Paul, 1929 Accession Number:30.75.102 Unlike upholstered furniture, chairs in China were covered only temporarily with textiles, such as this silk tapestry (kesi) chair strip, designed and woven specifically as a chair covering. The lobed floral medallion was positioned on the seat of the chair, and the four-clawed dragon (mang) adorned the back. At the top of the strip, the crane is upside down because that short portion was meant to hang down behind the chair.