Untitled

Unknown

18th century · Silk kesi tapestry; dyed polychrome silk yarns and gold-wrapped yarns in weft-faced tabby-weave fabric · Asian Art

Woven in the delicate kesi tapestry technique, this horizontal panel features a group of Eight Auspicious Emblems (umbrella, double fish, vase, flower, conch shell, endless knot, canopy, and wheel) that were initially introduced to China with Buddhism, and later became traditional motifs in the decorative arts. Each emblem rests on a lotus flower, and each has decorative ribbons fluttering to either side. An additional Buddhist symbol, a flaming jewel, crowns many of the eight, and a vegetal scroll serves to link the lotuses that support the eight treasures. A series of prowling five-clawed dragons fills the borders of the panels.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Silk kesi tapestry; dyed polychrome silk yarns and gold-wrapped yarns in weft-faced tabby-weave fabric

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Barbara and William Karatz Gift, in honor of James C. Y. Watt, 2012