Chinese Textiles: Auspicious Patterns in Chinese Textiles
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Collar Decoration for Women's Court Dress, Design of phoenixes and peonies in embroidery on a blue ground (detail), China, Ming dynasty, 16th–17th century
Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 5
December 18, 2018 (Tue) - March 3, 2019 (Sun)In celebration of the Chinese New Year, we are displaying textiles decorated with auspicious patterns rich in history and tradition. Through the centuries, the people of China wished for good fortune such as wealth, prestige, the prosperity of one’s descendants, and harmony between husband and wife. They expressed these wishes visually through motifs such as dragons, phoenixes, various "treasures," and even bats, which are synonymous with "good fortune." They used these motifs in textiles, embroidering them onto clothing and other personal belongings to create a variety of auspicious patterns. Though they have ancient origins, these patterns are still adored and widely used today.
Current exhibit includes:
Rug, Design of dragons and flowers, China, Qing dynasty, 18th–19th century
Collar Decoration for Women's Court Dress, Design of phoenixes and peonies in embroidery on a blue ground, China, Ming dynasty, 16th–17th century