Panel

This embroidered hanging depicts the martyrdom of St Sebastian (traditionally believed to have taken place around 288). The red silk background (now faded) is the colour associated with the commemoration of Christian martyrs in the Roman Catholic Church. This textile was probably used during a religious procession. It may have been produced by Chinese embroiderers in Macao or Canton, either for Portuguese colonial settlers in Macau, or for export to Portuguese colonies.

Physical description

Panel, a picture of St Sebastian tied to a tree and pierced with arrows; red silk satin embroidered with coloured silks.

Place of Origin

Guangzhou, China (possibly, made)
Macau (dependent state), China (possibly, made)
Philippines (possibly, made)

Date

1700-1825 (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown (production)

Materials and Techniques

Satin silk, embroidered with silks

Dimensions

Height: 172 cm, Width: 138.2 cm

Object history note

St Sebastian came into the museum along with an embroidery of St Anthony of Padua (T.246-1921)

Purchased. Registered File number 1921/4961.

Descriptive line

Panel, satin silk embroidered with coloured silks, made in Guangzhou, Macau or Philippines, China, Qing dynasty, 1700-1825

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

Wilson, Verity. Chinese textiles. London: V&A publications, 2005, plate 26, p. 27.

Production Note

Made in Guangzhou, Macau or Philippines.

Materials

Silk (textile); Silk thread

Techniques

Embroidered; Satin weave

Subjects depicted

Sebastian (Saint)

Collection code

EAS

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