Ming dynasty The black silk panel finely embroidered in needleloop technique over gilded paper, to form a scene of two blossoming lotus plants growing from lotus roots with fish and water weeds below, interspersed with birds, butterflies and other flowering aquatic plants, enclosed within a border of scrolling aquatic plants with floral motifs and coins at the corners, open chain stitches and skipped stitches in the embroidery creating geometric patterns allowing the gilded paper to show through. 14 5/8 x 14 3/8in (37.2 x 36.5cm)