Length of Painted Silk
Qing dynasty (1644–1911), 1740-60
Medium
Silk, plain weave foundation; painted
Dimensions
116.9 × 74 cm (46 × 29 1/8 in.); Warp repeat: H.: 60.7 cm (23 7/8 in.)
Classification
weaving
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
72874
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Chinese silk producers, like Indian cotton makers, catered to a vast network of international consumers. Here, Chinese artisans emulated English fabrics and created a delicate floral similar to that designed by Anna Maria Garthwaite. Such floral patterns were popular both in Europe and North America. In fact, the first First Lady of the United States, Martha Washington, owned a gown of Chinese painted silk.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...