Untitled

Unknown

late 8th–9th century · Silk · Asian Art

The decorative use of rows of pearls ultimately derives from Sasanian Iran. The dragon has been a significant presence in Chinese art for thousands of years, but those depicted here have no heads. A flaw in the weave program may explain this anomaly, or the textile may have been woven in Central Asia, where the dragon motif was less well understood.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 8th–9th century

Medium

Silk

Culture

China or Central Asia

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Barbara and William Karatz Gift, 1998