Cover (Furnishing Fabric) Possibly 1644 - 1911

This furnishing fabric, likely from the late Qing Dynasty, was made by an anonymous Manchu artist. The golden threads woven into the yellow silk cover are a testament to the complex social and cultural dynamics of the period. The dragon motif, a potent symbol of imperial power, is central to the design. It suggests the fabric may have been intended for use within the Qing court, where yellow was reserved for the emperor and his immediate family. The surrounding floral patterns and clouds lend an air of harmony and prosperity, reflecting the dynasty's aspirations for a flourishing empire. Scholars of Chinese art and history can draw on dynastic records, textile analysis, and studies of sumptuary laws to deepen their understanding of the social and institutional contexts of this and similar works. The meaning of this furnishing fabric emerges from its place within the cultural and political landscape of its time.