Signed ShubunJapan, late 19th to early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)The large tapestry very finely embroidered with silk and gold thread as several three-clawed dragons confronting two majestic ho-o (phoenix) birds, a Buddhist lion (shishi) snarling up at them, another drinking from a stream. Signed within a rectangular reserve SHUBUN 周文.SIZE 255 x 211 cmCondition: Very good condition with some typical wear and tear. The object presents extremely well.Provenance: From an old Swiss private collection.Auction comparison:Compare to a related embroidery of similar size and depicting a dragon, sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 10 November 2011, London, lot 292 (sold for 5,000 GBP).