Curtain and valance, satin silk with embroidery in gold thread and floss silk, China, 19th century

Curtain and valance of dark blue silk satin, embroidered with gold thread and floss silk. The curtain is embroidered with bold sprays of the "Indian lotus". The valance displays five oblong panels filled with bats and conventional floral sprays, the central panel having in addition a pair of musical gongs suspended from ruyi-sceptre. The narrow borders have an archaic pattern of formal scroll panels enclosing dragons.

Purchased from Mr. P. Kierulff (Villa Peking, Hellerup, Denmark), accessioned in 1901. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project.
Purchased. Registered File number 31783/191.

Note on register:
Curtain and valance of dark blue satin, embroidered with threads of gold and floss silk. An archaic border with formal scroll panels hung with rings inclosing dragons in lozenge-shaped outlines. The valence displays five oblong panels filled with bats and conventional floral sprays; the central panel having in addition a pair of musical gong ji qing suspended from jade sceptres ruyi. This according to the quaint punning symbolism of the Chinese would suggest the phrase ji qing ru yi (good luck and every wish fulfilled) The curatin is embroidered with bold sprays of the conventional flowers, known as teh Indian lotus (xi fan lian).;;

1616&A-1901