Winter Flowers
The nandina, narcissus, rock, and magic fungus on this tapestry serve as homonyms for the phrase “heavenly immortals’ greeting of longevity” (tian xian zhi shou). At the lower right corner, there is a woven signature of Cui Ba, a painter who was active in the eleventh century and famous for his elegant renderings of flowers and birds. During the second half of the Ming dynasty, Cui’s paintings often served as subjects for tapestries, as can be seen in the emulation of brushstrokes on this extraordinary piece.
Artwork Details
- 明 緙絲天仙芝壽圖
- Title: Winter Flowers
- Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
- Date: 16th–17th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Silk tapestry (kesi)
- Dimensions: Overall: 39 1/2 x 17 in. (100.3 x 43.2 cm)
- Classification: Textiles-Tapestries
- Credit Line: John Stewart Kennedy Fund, 1913
- Object Number: 13.220.102
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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China
ca. 1330–32
China
14th century
Eastern Central Asia
11th–12th century
China
late 19th–early 20th century
China
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