GENERAL EMBROIDERY, PICTURE

An attractive delicate panel with fine Chinese embroidery on mauve damask silk fabric. Embroidery design consists of two cranes, the most venerated bird in China, symbolising long life, majesty and great wisdom which the ancient Chinese believed accompanied old age. Four flower groups - the peony representing Spring, the lotus for Summer, chrysanthemum for Autumn and prunus for winter. There are two bats, symbol of happiness and in the bottom LHS corner, the lingzhi fungus, symbol also of longevity.

Central panel of embroidered motifs is surrounded by a row of embroidered white buds. On the side a woven narrow band edged with blue silk piping, and beyond that a silver/mauve beautiful woven damask band with red silk piping. The back is fine dark blue silk twill fabric.

Compare this panel with 2000.254, similar colours, similar prunus plant, each with a bird, use of voiding a technique rarely used in contemporary work.