Period:Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong period (1736–95) Culture:China Medium:Silk and metallic thread tapestry (kesi) Dimensions:Overall: 15 x 13 1/2 in. (38.1 x 34.3 cm) Classification:Textiles-Tapestries Credit Line:Fletcher Fund, 1941 Accession Number:41.123.2 This wonderful textile illustrates the continuation of the use of luxurious tapestries as covers for paintings and calligraphies. The inscription states that it was produced to accompany the Qianlong Emperor ’ s calligraphy of his own essay discussing the difficulty and ease of founding and maintaining an empire. As a tailor-made cover for an imperial work, the tapestry is superb: the body of the dragon is executed in gold thread, and the flowers and leaves are rendered in subtle hues and shades.
Period:Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong period (1736–95) Culture:China Medium:Silk and metallic thread tapestry (kesi) Dimensions:Overall: 15 x 13 1/2 in. (38.1 x 34.3 cm) Classification:Textiles-Tapestries Credit Line:Fletcher Fund, 1941 Accession Number:41.123.2 This wonderful textile illustrates the continuation of the use of luxurious tapestries as covers for paintings and calligraphies. The inscription states that it was produced to accompany the Qianlong Emperor ’ s calligraphy of his own essay discussing the difficulty and ease of founding and maintaining an empire. As a tailor-made cover for an imperial work, the tapestry is superb: the body of the dragon is executed in gold thread, and the flowers and leaves are rendered in subtle hues and shades.