English

Tapestry with Dragons and Flowers

11th–12th century
Not on view
The decorative style of this silk tapestry is typical of Central Asia, where motifs enjoyed great longevity and creative recombination. The form of the dragon, with its long snout and its tail hooked behind its leg, represents a Tang-dynasty convention that survived in Central Asia until at least the Yuan dynasty, founded in 1271 by the Mongol conqueror Khubilai Khan. Placing a dragon on flowers is most likely a Central Asian invention. The brilliant colors and the vitality of the animals are also characteristic features of tapestries of the region, which were probably produced by Uighurs, known for their splendid tapestry-woven clothing.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Tapestry with Dragons and Flowers
  • Date: 11th–12th century
  • Culture: Eastern Central Asia
  • Medium: Silk tapestry (kesi)
  • Dimensions: Overall: 21 x 13 in. (53.3 x 33 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Tapestries
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1987
  • Object Number: 1987.275
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.