Cover (Furnishing Fabric)
Qing dynasty (1644–1911), 1875/1900
Medium
brocading
Dimensions
109.2 × 112 cm (43 × 44 1/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
46099
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Cover (Furnishing Fabric)* created by Manchu artisans during the Qing dynasty (164–1911) around 1875–1900, exemplifies the pinnacle of imperial Chinese textile artistry. Measuring 109.2 × 112 cm, this square panel was likely designed to adorn furniture in elite households, showcasing the dynasty's love for luxurious, symbolic interiors. The Qing era, ruled by the Manchu people, blended Han Chinese traditions with Manchu influences, producing textiles that conveyed status and harmony with the cosmos. Crafted through brocading—a sophisticated weaving technique where supplementar...
About the Artist
Manchu
"Manchu" is a cultural and ethnic designation used in museum collection records to identify objects, textiles, costumes, and decorative arts associated with the Manchu people, a Tungusic group originating from the regions northeast of the Great Wall of China. The Manchus rose to political dominance in 1644 when they conquered the declining Ming dynasty and established the Qing dynasty, which ruled...