Banner with Design of Five-Clawed Dragon, Flaming Pearl, and Multicolored Clouds

Culture: Chinese
Dynasty: Qing dynasty, 1644–1911
Period: Guangxu period, 1875–1908
Date: late 19th century
Material: Floss silk embroidery on silk satin
associated with: China, Asia
Classification: Coverings & hangings, textiles
Collection: Asian Art
Current Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 37 5/8 x 14 3/16 in. (95.5 x 36 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. F. Russell Fetté in memory of Helen Campbell Fetté
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 119:1994

NOTES

This banner, one of a pair, has an elongated vertical form with a flat top, pointed lower end, and serrated edges on three sides worked with stylized red flames. The ground material is black silk satin with embroidered decoration featuring a front-facing five-clawed dragon with red flames emanating from its pale pink scaly body. The mythical creature rises above waves, rocks, and clouds. Hovering above it is a flaming pearl, a symbol of spiritual energy, knowledge, good fortune, and authority. Since the banner was meant to be viewed from either direction when hung, the design is identical on both sides. Such examples were used primarily in ceremonies and military reviews rather than on the battleground, or as part of theatrical sets in an imperial palace.

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