明晚期 雲兔紋錦|Panel with Rabbits amid Clouds

Unknown

late 16th–early 17th century · Silk gauze with plain-weave patterning, brocaded with silk and metallic thread · Asian Art

The rabbits running among clouds are intended to symbolize the moon, which is inhabited by rabbits in Chinese tradition. Richly brocaded with gold thread, this textile is both luxurious and auspicious. A similar length of gauze was found at Dangling, the mausoleum of the emperor Wanli (r. 1573–1620) in suburban Beijing, and it seems likely that this piece dates from the same period.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th–early 17th century

Medium

Silk gauze with plain-weave patterning, brocaded with silk and metallic thread

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of Jean E. Mailey, 1994