清乾隆 緙絲《御筆創業守成難易說》包首|Scroll Cover for Imperial Calligraphy

Unknown

Date unknown · Silk and metallic thread tapestry (kesi) · Asian Art

This wonderful textile illustrates the continuation of the use of luxurious tapestries as covers for paintings and calligraphies. The inscription states that it was produced to accompany the Qianlong Emperor’s calligraphy of his own essay discussing the difficulty and ease of founding and maintaining an empire. As a tailor-made cover for an imperial work, the tapestry is superb: the body of the dragon is executed in gold thread, and the flowers and leaves are rendered in subtle hues and shades.

Artist

Unknown

Date

Date unknown

Medium

Silk and metallic thread tapestry (kesi)

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1941