Physical description
Panel of crimson silk satin, embroidered in coloured silks and gold thread. The design composed of a five-clawed dragon and a phoenix surrounded by sprays of peony, peach blossom, and olea fragrans, interwoven with tendrilled branches of the pilgrim gourd (hu lu). The rolling ball emitting red flames which the dragon is purchasing, is balanced below by a peony flower, and between the two in the centre of the composition, there is a large Chinese character, shuang xi (double happiness), the emblem of wedded bliss.
Place of Origin
China (made)
Date
probably late 19th century (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown
Materials and Techniques
Satin silk with embroidery in silks and gold thread
Dimensions
Height: 24.5 in, Width: 28 in
Object history note
This piece, like no. 1619-1901, was probably a portion of the trousseau of the bride of the emperor Tongzhi (1862-1874).
Purchased, £4 (1635 to 1641-1901). Registered File number 31783/1901.
Descriptive line
Panel, satin silk with embroidery in silks and gold thread, China, Qing dynasty, probably late 19th century
Materials
Silk (textile); Silk thread; Gold thread
Techniques
Embroidered; Satin weave
Subjects depicted
Phoenix birds; Chinese characters; Flowers; Dragons; Gourds
Categories
Textiles; Marriage; Embroidery
Collection
East Asia Collection