Physical description
Roundel, probably intended for a robe, embroidered in coloured silks and couched gold thread on a blue silk satin ground.
The central feature is a facing 5-clawed dragon which is principally executed in couched gold thread. Beneath the dragon appear ruyi clouds in various colours, auspicious bats, stylised rocks and waves, Buddhist swastika and longevity peaches. The remainder of the ground is embroidered with the 8 Daoist Emblems: the basket of fruit, gourd vase and crutch, flute, sword, lotus, fan, bamboo tube and rods, and the castanets.
Place of Origin
China (made)
Date
possibly between 1736 - 1820 (reigns of the Qianlong and Jiaqing Emperors) (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown
Materials and Techniques
Silk satin with embroidery in silk and gilt thread
Dimensions
Diameter: 27.3 cm medallion, Length: 35.6 cm panel, Width: 31.1 cm panel, Diameter: 10.75 in medallion, Length: 14 in panel, Height: 12.25 in panel
Object history note
Registered File number 1971/2194.
Descriptive line
Rank badge, blue silk satin with coloured silk and gold thread embroidery, China, Qing dynasty, possibly 1736 - 1820
Production Note
Date attribution made according to comparison of the dragon motif with those found on robes made during this period.
Materials
Silk (textile); Silk thread; Metal thread
Techniques
Satin weave; Embroidering
Subjects depicted
Mountains; Dragons; Ruyi
Categories
Textiles; Embroidery; Formal wear
Collection
East Asia Collection
This roundel had probably been previously embroidered onto a surcoat, such those in navy blue worn by the imperial court during important rituals or ceremonies during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911).
According to the Huangchao Liqi Tushi (Illustrations of Imperial Ritual Paraphernalia), only the Emperor and his consorts (including the Empress), and the Crown Prince, would have worn roundels bearing front-facing dragons. Although it is certain that this roundel would not have adorned the emperor's surcoat (the gunfu), as it is missing the requisite shou character, and solar and lunar symbols, it is not easy to say if this roundel came from the robe of the Crown Prince or the Consorts.