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Velvet panel with auspicious symbols
Velvet panel with auspicious symbols

Velvet panel with auspicious symbols

Place of OriginChina
Date1644-1911
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911)
MaterialsTwo-color satin velvet with cut decoration
DimensionsH. 20 in x W. 128 in
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB69M8.c
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsTextiles
On View
Not on view
More Information
This long velvet panel is designed as a chair or cushion cover. It is decorated with auspicious motifs that, combined, celebrate a divine world of happiness, longevity, and nobility for whoever sits on it. The motifs are a lion playing with a brocade ball; an infinity knot surrounded by stylized bats and clouds; a dragon rising from the mythical Eastern Ocean; and a single bat carrying the character xi, for double happiness. A person would sit on the infinity knot, lean back against the powerful dragon full of cosmic energy, and contemplate the images of the dancing lion and the bat elsewhere on the seat.