AN IMPERIAL YELLOW GROUND ‘DRAGON’ SILK GAUZE PANEL, CHINA, 18TH – 19TH CENTURY
The gauze woven in a simple leno weave (sha), dyed in Imperial yellow, and finely embroidered with a magnificent five-clawed dragon chasing the flaming pearl, surrounded by colorful ruyi-shaped clouds, and auspicious symbols rising above crashing waves and pinnacles of stylized peaks emerging from the water, all within a geometric border of silk damask showing two alternating Buddhist emblems: the sacred vase and the pair of fish. The back with a royal blue silk damask cover for protection, dating from the late 19th century.


Provenance
: From a German private collection, acquired before 2007.

Condition
: Very good condition with only minor wear, the royal blue silk back cover a later addition. Minor losses, possibly trimmed, some loose thread. The colors still vibrant and strong, overall presenting remarkably well!

Dimensions: Size 204 x 162 cm


The Eight Buddhist Emblems (bajixiang)
are a set of traditional symbols that represent the offerings made by the gods to Buddha upon his enlightenment. The symbols include the parasol, the golden fish, the conch shell, the endless knot, the lotus flower, the victory banner, the Dharma wheel, and the treasure vase. Each symbol has its own significance and is used in various contexts, such as in religious rituals, on prayer flags, and in artwork. Together, these symbols are believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and happiness to those who use or encounter them.


Auction result comparison:

Type: Related
Auction: Bonhams San Francisco, 13 December 2010, lot 5025
Price: USD 67,100 or approx.
EUR 84,000
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A yellow ground kesi-woven silk horizontal panel, 18th/19th century
Expert remark: Compare the related yellow ground. Note the smaller size (71 x 167.5 cm) and the fact that there is no dragon.





十八至十九世紀黃地龍紋絲製掛幅


薄紗採用簡單的紗羅編織而成，染成帝王黃，上面繡著精美的五爪龍追逐火珠的圖案，四周環繞著五彩如意祥雲，下方江崖麗水紋。錦緞邊框上有佛教八寶紋中的寶瓶和雙魚紋。背面帶有寶藍色絲綢錦緞封面以提供保護，其歷史可追溯至十九世紀末。


來源
：
德國私人收藏，2007年前購入。

品相
：
狀況非常好，只有輕微磨損，寶藍色絲綢蓋是後來添加的。輕微缺損，一些鬆動的螺紋，顔色依舊鮮亮。

尺寸：204 x 162 厘米


拍賣結果比較：

形制：相近
拍賣：舊金山邦翰斯，2010年12月13日，lot 5025
價格：USD 67,100（相當於今日
EUR 84,000
）
描述：十八至十九世紀黃地緙絲橫掛屏
專家評論：比較相近的黃地。請注意尺寸較小(71 x 167.5 厘米)，但沒有龍紋。