Untitled

Unknown

17th century · Silk and metallic thread tapestry (kesi) · Asian Art

Unlike upholstered furniture, chairs in China were covered only temporarily with textiles, such as this silk tapestry (kesi) chair strip, designed and woven specifically as a chair covering. The lobed floral medallion was positioned on the seat of the chair, and the four-clawed dragon (mang) adorned the back. At the top of the strip, the crane is upside down because that short portion was meant to hang down behind the chair.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Silk and metallic thread tapestry (kesi)

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Bequest of William Christian Paul, 1929