GENERAL EMBROIDERY, PANEL

An old Chinese finely embroidered landscape panel with the phoenix, a mythical bird representing the Empress, standing in front of a peony tree in bloom, symbol of Spring. On the other side, a pair of doves on a prunus tree in bloom, symbol of Winter. The phoenix, symbol of goodness and benevolence. The doves, symbol of peace, long life and fidelity as doves pair for life. Birds are thought of as divine messengers to communicate to the gods above.

Between them a butterfly, symbol of happiness , under bamboo stalks the symbol of growth, prosperity and flexibility.

Top LH corner is a cloud, with a pearl in the centre: the cloud, symbol of peace and good fortune and the pearl, a symbol of good luck and tangible wealth.

The embroidery on oyster coloured silk fabric, is bordered with a hand embroidered braid with bats representing happiness and the Chinese letter “XI” meaning joy.

Around the perimeter is band of intricate blue and gold damask silk fabric edged with red silk on the inside and black silk on the outside. The backing fabric is light brown silk fabric.