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Textile fragment with boys and birds in pomegranates

10th century
Not on view
This strip of silk features two clusters of pomegranates and leaves. The fruits, which are known for their many seeds, are filled with birds and flowers at the top, while those at the bottom hold boys and flowers. The inclusion of boys inside the pomegranates may refer to offspring: the Chinese character for “seed” is the same as that for “son.”

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 唐末宋初 彩繪花鳥嬰戯紋羅
  • Title: Textile fragment with boys and birds in pomegranates
  • Period: Late Tang (618–907)–early Song (960–1279) dynasty
  • Date: 10th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Painted complex gauze silk
  • Dimensions: Overall: 19 7/8 x 5 5/16 in. (50.5 x 13.5 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Painted
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Eileen W. Bamberger Bequest, in memory of her husband, Max Bamberger, 1995
  • Object Number: 1995.143
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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