Hanging
PLACE/DATE
China, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), 17th century
MATERIALS
Silk velvet, cotton taffeta, gilt-paper-wrapped thread and polychrome silks
DIMENSIONS
277 x 184 cm
INV
MT.1185 e 1186
Endowed with a great chromatic richness, this and the other hangings with which it is set presents exuberant decorations of vegetal and zoomorphic nature, dominated by the figuration of asymmetric flowery branches and a considerable diversity of animals, almost always represented in pairs.
These are good representatives of Chinese embroidery intended for export, characterised by the use of a set of techniques that, although simple and not very diversified, are visually effective.
The original function of these two pieces is unknown. But the fact that they present similar dimensions, as well as similar decorative programmes on the same type and colour of support, suggests a simultaneous use (perhaps complemented by other pieces, which have since disappeared).