Collection Online

Red and green silk tapestry woven hanging
(18th century)

Medium
silk (kesi)
Measurements
88.0 × 90.5 cm
Place/s of Execution
China
Accession Number
1780-D4
Department
Asian Art
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 1958
Gallery location
Not on display
Physical description
The hanging is made of two sections of what appears faded red silk and green silk. It is woven with the kesi刻絲, 'silk tapestry' or silk tapestry woven technique. The larger part is decorated with a larger crane at the centre, flanked by four smaller cranes, two standing at the lower part and two flying in the upper part. The larger crane at the centre is standing with the left leg on an eccentric rock rising from a sea of stylized waves. With its wings spreading out, the crane looks very elegant and majestic. Holding in its mouth a spray of the lingzhi 靈芝 fungus of longevity, the crane is believed to have lived to an age of six thousand years and is the symbol of longevity and the most venerated bird in China. Rising from the waves are corals and ingots, precious objects or treasures, auspicious symbols of wealth and fortune. The two graceful cranes with wings spreading out are turning with their necks towards the centre are holding in their beaks the ruyi 如意 (may your wish come true) sceptre. In the upper part, two smaller cranes are flying towards the centre and holding in their beaks what looks like a sprig of peaches, symbols of longevity and immortality. According to legend, peaches grow in the Kunlun Mountains in the west, where the Xi Wangmu, Queen Mother of the West lived. The peach trees flowered only once every three thousand years, and it took another three thousand years for the fruit to ripen. Surrounding the cranes are auspicious clouds, a symbol of peace and good fortune. At the top, the green silk background is decorated with two dragons facing each other which are surrounded by auspicious clouds. The mythical dragon symbolizes the Emperor or the Son of Heaven. The border is decorated with scrolls and lotus, which represents summer and is a symbol of purity and nobility as well as the sacred flower of Buddhism. The images are intricately woven.