Chinese Embroidered Panel in Silk with Gilt Thread

Chinese Embroidered Panel in Silk with Gilt Thread.

Blue ground silk panel embroidered all in gilt thread except for the eyes of the phoenix circa 1860.

The panel is from a formal court skirt / robe from either a Chinese Noble or 1st to third rank official.  The gilt thread is couched to show a phoenix in roundel pose inside a border of shou signs and the Taoist eight precious things.  Shou signs are symbols of happiness and longevity.

The bottom of the panel is embroidered with the stripey turbulent sea with ruyi headed waves along the top.

The phoenix is the second of the four great mythical beasts.  Although associated with the Empress it is also the symbol for good luck, abundance, and longevity.  it is the emblem for beauty and  said to be the messenger to the Taoist gods.

Like the dragon the phoenix is composite of other beasts, it was said to resemble the swan from the front and the unicorn from behind, the throat of the swallow, the bill of a duck, the neck of a snake, the tail of a fish, the forehead of a crane. the crown of a mandarin duck, the vaulted back of a tortoise and stripes of a dragon.

The Piece is all conserved and mounted ready for framing.

Dimensions

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Condition report

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