Panel with birthday celebration

19th century
Not on view
This tapestry is part of a set of large ornamental panels. Among the guests honoring the elderly couple are several lively children, probably their grandsons. The man and his wife wear matching robes, appropriate dress for court officials and their wives. As a birthday gift, the three boys at their feet present a hanging scroll bearing the character for longevity (shou) in blue, surrounded by five red bats (fu). Bats were typically used to represent good fortune, as the words are homophones in Chinese.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 清晚期 緙絲賀壽圖
  • Title: Panel with birthday celebration
  • Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
  • Date: 19th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Silk and metal thread tapestry (kesi)
  • Dimensions: Overall (top panel): 52 3/8 x 122 5/16 in. (133 x 310.7 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Tapestries
  • Credit Line: Gift of Susan Dwight Bliss, 1954
  • Object Number: 54.189.10a–e
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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