Panel thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Panel

ca. 1780 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This piece of silk was painted in China for export to Europe and would not have been used by the Chinese themselves. Silks like this were popular in the 19th century both as furnishing fabrics and as dress material. They were not very durable, however, as paint, unlike dye, does not penetrate the fibres of the fabric and so rubs off very easily. This blue silk seems never have been used, as it is in a nearly perfect condition.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Plain-weave silk with painted decoration
Brief description
Panel, plain-weave silk with painted decoration, China, Qianlong period, ca. 1780
Physical description
Panel of painted plain-weave silk. Floral designs in colours on a dark blue ground.
Dimensions
  • Including fringe length: 88cm
  • Width: 73.5cm
Styles
Credit line
Given anonymously
Object history
The panel is cut from a long roll, which is known to have been brought to England at the end of the 18th century.

Registered File number 1925/6230.
Subject depicted
Summary
This piece of silk was painted in China for export to Europe and would not have been used by the Chinese themselves. Silks like this were popular in the 19th century both as furnishing fabrics and as dress material. They were not very durable, however, as paint, unlike dye, does not penetrate the fibres of the fabric and so rubs off very easily. This blue silk seems never have been used, as it is in a nearly perfect condition.
Collection
Accession number
T.131-1925

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Record createdFebruary 12, 2003
Record URL
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