Period:Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Kangxi period (1662–1722) Date:17th–18th century Culture:China Medium:Silk and metallic thread brocade Dimensions:a: 79 × 39 in. (200.7 × 99.1 cm) b, c: 46 × 4 in. (116.8 × 10.2 cm) Classification:Textiles-Woven Credit Line:Gift of John M. Crawford Jr., 1977 Accession Number:1977.2a–e The striking five-clawed dragons and the impeccable quality of this valance and side panels set suggest that it decorated a doorway in an imperial residence. The figure of the dragon has a number of associations and incarnations — all positive — in Chinese mythology. Here, the dragons primarily signify the emperor as the Son of Heaven and the intercessor between heaven and earth on behalf of the people.
Period:Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Kangxi period (1662–1722) Date:17th–18th century Culture:China Medium:Silk and metallic thread brocade Dimensions:a: 79 × 39 in. (200.7 × 99.1 cm) b, c: 46 × 4 in. (116.8 × 10.2 cm) Classification:Textiles-Woven Credit Line:Gift of John M. Crawford Jr., 1977 Accession Number:1977.2a–e The striking five-clawed dragons and the impeccable quality of this valance and side panels set suggest that it decorated a doorway in an imperial residence. The figure of the dragon has a number of associations and incarnations — all positive — in Chinese mythology. Here, the dragons primarily signify the emperor as the Son of Heaven and the intercessor between heaven and earth on behalf of the people.