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Accession Number 2005.5.519 Title Silk Tapestry Weave Table Frontal Category textiles Object Type table frontal Artist unknown Date Made date unknown Place Made China Culture Chinese Period Qing 19th century Materials gold wrapped silk thread; silk; plexiglas; wood; tapestry weave; linen; tape; metal Materials Glossary Tapestry Weave View Materials Glossary Details » Measurements overall: 99.7 cm x 85.5 cm Description

A kesi, or tapestry weave, table frontal that depicts two pheasants gazing towards each other on rocks in a peony-filled garden. The pheasant on the right is male, while the left one is female. This typical…

A kesi, or tapestry weave, table frontal that depicts two pheasants gazing towards each other on rocks in a peony-filled garden. The pheasant on the right is male, while the left one is female. This typical composition speaks to marriage and romantic relationships. The pink and purple peonies that surround the birds represent wealth, honour, and good fortune. In the upper portion of the table frontal there are peaches, a crane and the roof of a building. The background and borders are woven with scintillating gold-wrapped thread, which adds luxury to this textile. The border also includes a phoenix and lotus flower motif.

Read More + Credit Line Gift of Sandy and Cécile Mactaggart