Two Ancient Oriental Textiles, China, 19th Century

Chinese ceremonial textile
dating from the first half of the 19th century (Qing period) in embroidered silk enriched with metallic applications, in shades of red-orange, gold and magenta with gilded metal studs and golden fringes. cm. 64x131

The central band presents male figures in traditional Chinese dress and four roundels with figurative scenes; the decorative bands present floral motifs with garlands and continuous floral scrolls. Probably used as a ceremonial banner for processions or festivities, it shows some signs of silk wear and partial fading of colors, and represents an excellent example of Chinese textile art for the high technical quality of the embroidery and well-preserved traditional iconography.

Chinese ceremonial textile
dating from the first half of the 19th century (Qing period) in embroidered silk enriched with metallic applications, in shades of crimson red, gold, beige, grey-green and pink. cm. 49x101

The horizontal textile is organized in parallel horizontal bands with different decorative levels. In the upper beige and gold band there are delicate floral embroideries with garlands, buds and stylized flowers. In the intermediate band with darker background there are narrative or symbolic scenes, but it is in the central band that the most important elements are found with elaborate embroideries in polychrome silk threads and gold depicting birds, floral motifs and foliage.

This one also probably used as a ceremonial banner for processions or festivities, presents itself in fair/good condition considering its age with natural aging of the silk and partial fading of colors. The combination of symbolic birds, auspicious flowers and red color clearly indicates the celebratory and auspicious function of this textile, probably linked to ceremonies of particular social or religious importance.

Both within gilded wooden frame with protective plexiglass (one presents a crack at the lower right corner)