Han Woman's Semi-formal Domestic Skirt

Place of ManufactureAsia

MediumMaterial: silk, damask; silk threads;

DimensionsOverall: 121.3 x 89.5 cm

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ART

Credit LineGift of Mrs. H. B. Darnell

Object number1964.117.001

DescriptionThis skirt is made of multi-coloured silk woven with a hidden pattern of the 8 Buddhist Treasures (the conch shell, fish, canopy, umbrella, lotus, wheel, mystic know and jar). The front & back of the skirt are each decorated with an embroidered panels - that on the front shows 2 ladies holding sprays of flowers in a landscape setting with pavilion, Tai-hu rocks, bridge & balustrade, & various kinds of trees & flowers including the symbols of the 4 seasons: plum blossoms (winter), peony (spring), lotus (summer) & chrysanthemum (autumn). The back panel is along the same theme but has a variant placement of elements plus the added motif of progeny (pomegranate) at upper left. Both panels are bordered with applique works of embroidered flowers. One mystic knot is found at each lower corner of the panels. Strips of embroidered silk in different colours are added to the skirt by applique technique to define the pleats.

Status

Not on view