Period:Ming dynasty (1368–1644) Date:late 16th–early 17th century Culture:China Medium:Silk gauze with plain-weave patterning, brocaded with silk and metallic thread Dimensions:40 1/2 x 33 1/2 in. (102.9 x 85.1 cm) Classification:Textiles-Woven Credit Line:Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of Jean E. Mailey, 1994 Accession Number:1994.391 The rabbits running among clouds are intended to symbolize the moon, which is inhabited by rabbits in Chinese tradition. Richly brocaded with gold thread, this textile is both luxurious and auspicious. A similar length of gauze was found at Dangling, the mausoleum of the emperor Wanli (r. 1573–1620) in suburban Beijing, and it seems likely that this piece dates from the same period.
Period:Ming dynasty (1368–1644) Date:late 16th–early 17th century Culture:China Medium:Silk gauze with plain-weave patterning, brocaded with silk and metallic thread Dimensions:40 1/2 x 33 1/2 in. (102.9 x 85.1 cm) Classification:Textiles-Woven Credit Line:Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of Jean E. Mailey, 1994 Accession Number:1994.391 The rabbits running among clouds are intended to symbolize the moon, which is inhabited by rabbits in Chinese tradition. Richly brocaded with gold thread, this textile is both luxurious and auspicious. A similar length of gauze was found at Dangling, the mausoleum of the emperor Wanli (r. 1573–1620) in suburban Beijing, and it seems likely that this piece dates from the same period.