清康熙 妝花龍紋門簾|Door valance and side panels with dragons

Unknown

17th–18th century · Silk and metallic thread brocade · Asian Art

The striking five-clawed dragons and the impeccable quality of this valance and side panels set suggest that it decorated a doorway in an imperial residence. The figure of the dragon has a number of associations and incarnations—all positive—in Chinese mythology. Here, the dragons primarily signify the emperor as the Son of Heaven and the intercessor between heaven and earth on behalf of the people.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th–18th century

Medium

Silk and metallic thread brocade

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of John M. Crawford Jr., 1977