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Item Details

Accession Number 2005.5.413 Title Silk Tapestry Weave Hanging Category textiles Object Type hanging Artist unknown Date Made date unknown Place Made China Culture Chinese Period Qing 17th century Materials gold wrapped silk thread; silk; silk brocade; lacquer; plexiglas; tapestry weave Materials Glossary Tapestry Weave; Brocade View Materials Glossary Details » View Materials Glossary Details » Measurements overall: 235 cm x 155 cm x 5.4 cm Description

A large kesi, or tapestry weave, hanging that depicts two phoenixes gazing towards one another in a peony-filled garden with scholar's rocks. The male phoenix (feng) is flying above the female (huang), who is standing…

A large kesi, or tapestry weave, hanging that depicts two phoenixes gazing towards one another in a peony-filled garden with scholar's rocks. The male phoenix (feng) is flying above the female (huang), who is standing on a rock. The male phoenix has five long serrated tail feathers and the female phoenix has curling tail feathers. Phoenixes are considered to be the highest-ranking birds in Chinese culture and they are a much-utilized auspicious symbol in textiles, garments and paintings. They are often paired with peonies and relay a message of good fortune, richness, honour and springtime.

Read More + Credit Line Gift of Sandy and Cécile Mactaggart