Hanging with Design of Dragon and Phoenix amidst Waves and Clouds

Culture: Japanese
Period: Meiji period, 1868–1912
Date: late 19th century
Material: Silk embroidered with multicolored silk floss and metallic-wrapped threads
made in: Japan, Asia
Classification: Coverings & hangings, textiles
Collection: Asian Art
Current Location: Not on view
Dimensions: overall: 72 1/2 × 52 1/4 in. (184.2 × 132.7 cm)
image: 61 in. × 39 3/8 in. (154.9 × 100 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Alexander B. Pierce
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 253:1951

NOTES

A flaming dragon with golden scales and a silver underbelly is depicted at the lower right of this decorative silk hanging. A phoenix with multicolored outstretched wings and streaming plumage is shown at the upper left. The undulating and cresting waves at the bottom are striped in hues of blue-gray, green-gray, and beige. Auspicious clouds in shades of red, green, blue, and brown appear against a light brown background.

Framed by a border of yellow-brown silk fabric, the hanging’s subject matter comes from traditional imperial Chinese imagery of the dragon and phoenix, which symbolize the emperor and empress.

Provenance

- 1951
Mrs. Alexander B. Pierce [Lillian Pilcher Pierce (1869–1961)], Webster Groves, MO, USA [1]

1951 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Mrs. Alexander B. Pierce [2]

Notes:
[1] Per SLAM Accession Record [SLAM document files].

[2] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, October 5, 1951.

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