Imperial Chair Cover with Design of Five-Clawed Dragons and Bats amidst Peony Scrolls and Border with the Eight Daoist Emblems and Multicolored Clouds

Culture: Chinese
Dynasty: Qing dynasty, 1644–1911
Period: Qianlong period, 1736–1795
Date: mid- to late 18th century
Material: Silk in tapestry weave (kesi) and gold thread
made in: China, Asia
Classification: Coverings & hangings, textiles
Collection: Asian Art
Current Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 51 1/4 × 51 3/4 in. (130.2 × 131.4 cm)
Credit Line: Museum Purchase
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 33:1917

NOTES

This tapestry-woven textile features a front-facing five-clawed dragon enclosing a flaming pearl symbolic of spiritual energy, wisdom, prosperity, and power. Above the dragon, a downward-facing bat carries a loop suspending two dark blue swastikas symbolizing “myriad” or “10,000.” The bright yellow silk ground indicates that it was made for the exclusive use of the emperor and his immediate family.

Pale-colored blossoms with scrolling foliage are scattered around the central field. Four other bats in flight, bringing the total of five, signify the Five Blessings (wu fu), namely longevity, wealth, health, virtue, and peaceful death in old age. Each corner of the central field is anchored by a stylized dragon in dark blue. A band of gold thread separates the field from the outer border, which contains auspicious clouds, Daoist emblems, and symbols of good fortune.

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