Untitled

Unknown

11th–12th century · Silk tapestry · Asian Art

The decorative style of this silk tapestry is typical of Central Asia, where motifs enjoyed great longevity and creative recombination. The form of the dragon, with its long snout and its tail hooked behind its leg, represents a Tang-dynasty convention that survived in Central Asia until at least the Yuan dynasty, founded in 1271 by the Mongol conqueror Khubilai Khan. Placing a dragon on flowers is most likely a Central Asian invention. The brilliant colors and the vitality of the animals are also characteristic features of tapestries of the region, which were probably produced by Uighurs, known for their splendid tapestry-woven clothing.

Artist

Unknown

Date

11th–12th century

Medium

Silk tapestry

Culture

Eastern Central Asia

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1987