Fairy and Crane
The young lady walking on a bridge, carrying a long-handled sickle and a basket of plants, and accompanied by a white crane, may be Magu, a famous Chinese fairy who symbolizes eternal youth. She brews immortal wine from magic plants, such as those in her basket, and artworks with her image are ideal birthday gifts. In addition to the refined embroidery on this panel, tiny pearls and coral beads are used to render the white crane and the red pomegranate seeds.
Artwork Details
- 清 刺繡麻姑圖
- Title: Fairy and Crane
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: 18th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Silk embroidery with with pearls and coral beads on silk satin
- Dimensions: Overall: 25 3/4 x 14 3/4 in. (65.41 x 37.47 cm)
- Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1925
- Object Number: 25.59.1
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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China
first half 18th century
Wang Hui
datable to 1698
China
China
second half 18th century
China
second half 18th century
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