Piece
Unknown Artist
18th–19th century
Medium
Silk
Dimensions
8 x 9 3/4 in. (20.32 x 24.77 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Woven
Culture & Period
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1896
Accession Number
96.14.321
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite silk textile fragment, woven in China during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), captures the majestic imagery of dragons amid swirling clouds. Measuring just 8 x 9¾ inches, this small yet intricate piece exemplifies the refined artistry of 18th–19th century Chinese weaving. Dragons, powerful symbols of imperial authority, strength, and good fortune, frolic through ethereal clouds that evoke the heavens and divine favor—motifs deeply rooted in Chinese cosmology and reserved for elite contexts. Crafted from luxurious silk, the medium itself signifies prestige; silk production and weav...