Qing dynasty (1644-1912), finely hand embroidered throne sized silk cover decorated with special motifs such as phoenixes, a symbol synonymous with the Empress in China, Buddhist umbrellas, and water dragons, as well as other auspicious emblems, all luxuriously outlined with gold thread, the exquisite peony blooms have scrolling leaves in dark blue and light green, the central flower is executed in the "forbidden stitch" or Peking knot technique with radiating embroidery in various colors, all on a yellow silk ground, lined with yellow cloud silk.

44 x 62 in.

It is probable this was a throne cover for a Qing dynasty Empress, with its brightly colored phoenixes, use of purple silk, yellow silk ground, special gold thread outline, and large throne size.

Loose gold threads; small green, red, and blue marks in various areas probably from silk thread color bleeding; spots of staining and bleeding of colors to reverse lining.

$1,500 - 3,000