Collection Online

Red embroidered curtain
(late 19th century-early 20th century)

Medium
silk
Measurements
208.0 × 129.0 cm
Place/s of Execution
China
Accession Number
2018-D3
Department
Asian Art
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Bequest of Dr G. E. Morrison, 1921
Gallery location
Not on display
Physical description
Auspicious symbols in different shades of blue are embroidered on a piece of red silk. Bats are flying in the midst of clouds, symbols of peace and good fortune. Bats are also symbols of happiness and good fortune, as bat is pronounced fu 蝠 in Chinese and is similar to the pronunciation of the word fu 福 meaning happiness and good fortune. The parasol is the royal umbrella, a symbols of the incorruptible official.