Period:Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Date:18th century
Culture:China
Medium:Silk kesi tapestry; dyed polychrome silk yarns and gold-wrapped yarns in weft-faced tabby-weave fabric
Dimensions:Overall: 5 3/4 × 20 5/8 in. (14.6 × 52.4 cm)
Classification:Textiles-Woven
Credit Line:Purchase, Barbara and William Karatz Gift, in honor of James C. Y. Watt, 2012
Accession Number:2012.559
Woven in the delicate kesi tapestry technique, this horizontal panel features a group of Eight Auspicious Emblems (umbrella, double fish, vase, flower, conch shell, endless knot, canopy, and wheel) that were initially introduced to China with Buddhism, and later became traditional motifs in the decorative arts. Each emblem rests on a lotus flower, and each has decorative ribbons fluttering to either side. An additional Buddhist symbol, a flaming jewel, crowns many of the eight, and a vegetal scroll serves to link the lotuses that support the eight treasures. A series of prowling five-clawed dragons fills the borders of the panels.