Cushion cover

Historical period(s)
Qing dynasty, Qianlong reign, 18th century
Medium
Silk with embroidery in silk and metallic-wrapped threads
Dimensions
H x W: 111 x 146.5 cm (43 11/16 x 57 11/16 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1915.296
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Costume and Textile, Furniture and Furnishing
Type

Cushion cover

Keywords
China, couching, dragon, embroidery, Qianlong reign (1736 - 1796), Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), satin stitch
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

Thronelike chairs were appointed with elaborate cushions to make them more comfortable and to signal the sitter's status. The design here, consisting of nine five-clawed dragons, was one that only the emperor and his closest associates could use. Other motifs on the cushion symbolize good fortune and longevity. The Chinese name for the narcissus plant, for example, contains the word "immortal," and peaches are also emblems of immortality. Bats, a symbol of good fortune, fly among the brightly colored clouds.

Published References
  • Edwards Park. Treasures from the Smithsonian Institution., 1st ed. Washington and New York. p. 341.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
CC0 - Creative Commons (CC0 1.0)

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