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Media Antiques & Jewelry

Large Late Qing Dynasty Silk Embroidery on Red Satin Textile

Large Late Qing Dynasty Silk Embroidery on Red Satin Textile

Regular price $3,790.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $3,790.00 USD
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This expansive 157-inch textile is crafted on a vibrant red silk satin ground, a color symbolizing joy, vitality, and good fortune in Chinese culture. The embroidery is executed with meticulous detail using silk threads in a palette of turquoise, rose-pink, indigo, and gold.
Key Visual Elements:
  • The Figures: The valance features a rhythmic procession of figures dressed in stylized, often "exoticized" robes (sometimes referred to as Xiban or Western tribute-bearers in Chinese art). These figures are depicted with expressive, dark-featured faces, carrying auspicious offerings or leading mythical beasts.
  • Auspicious Animals:
    • The Elephant: Symbolizing peace (Taiping) and strength.
    • The Tiger/Leopard: Represents bravery and the power to ward off evil spirits.
    • The Buddhist Lion (Shishi): Seen at the far right, these "Foo Dogs" are traditional protectors.
  • Floral Motifs: The background is filled with scrolling peony and lotus blossoms. The Peony (the "King of Flowers") represents wealth and honor, while the Lotus symbolizes purity.
  • Finishing Details: The bottom edge is adorned with an intricate knotted silk fringe (tassels) and small metallic sequins, designed to catch the light and add movement when the textile hung in a drafty doorway.

Technique

The embroidery primarily utilizes the Satin Stitch for smooth, lustrous color transitions on the petals and robes, and Long and Short Stitches to create the textured fur of the animals. Some outlines appear to use Couched Threading, where a thicker cord is laid on the surface and sewn down with fine silk to provide a three-dimensional effect.

Collector's Note

The length of this piece (nearly 13 feet) is exceptional, suggesting it was commissioned for a large manor or a significant temple hall. The condition of the red ground appears quite strong, though the slight fading on the top pink border is common for textiles of this age.
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