We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Front facing dragon roundel with imperial yellow background

circa 1750

Artists

Unknown Artist

  • Details

    Other Title
    Dragon roundel
    Place where the work was made
    China
    Period
    Qing dynasty 1644 - 1911 → China
    Date
    circa 1750
    Media category
    Textile
    Materials used
    embroidery
    Dimensions
    31.9 x 30.0 x 0.2 cm
    Signature & date

    Not signed. Not dated.

    Credit
    Gift of Judith & Ken Rutherford 2002
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    193.2002
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

    Share

  • About

    The background colour of imperial yellow and the medallion in the centre top of the first roundel indicate that it would have been used by a member of the imperial clan. The five claw dragon is floating in a cosmic setting surrounded by cloud forms in the auspicious colours. The mountain forms in the bottom waves represent the earth. Five bats represent the five states of happiness: long life, wealth, tranquillity, love, virtue and a peaceful death which crowns a lifetime of accomplishment. The roundel is brocade which would probably have been woven at the Cloud Brocade Institute in Nanjing.

    Asian Art Department, AGNSW, 29 May 2002.

  • Places

    Where the work was made

    China

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 1 exhibition

  • Bibliography

    Referenced in 1 publication