Textile with Pearl Roundels with Dragons

late 8th–9th century
Not on view
The decorative use of rows of pearls ultimately derives from Sasanian Iran. The dragon has been a significant presence in Chinese art for thousands of years, but those depicted here have no heads. A flaw in the weave program may explain this anomaly, or the textile may have been woven in Central Asia, where the dragon motif was less well understood.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Textile with Pearl Roundels with Dragons
  • Date: late 8th–9th century
  • Culture: China or Central Asia
  • Medium: Silk
  • Dimensions: Max height (warp): 18 1/8 in. (46 cm)
    Max width (weft): 24 7/16 in. (62.1 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Woven
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Barbara and William Karatz Gift, 1998
  • Object Number: 1998.147
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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