Panel with the five poisonous creatures

China

Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Wanli period (1573–1620)

Not on view

Gauze weaving is one of the oldest and most developed textile techniques in China. The pieces feature subtle patterns produced in a monochrome palette. This panel was woven with a pattern featuring the five poisonous creatures: snake, centipede, scorpion, toad, and spider. Their protective qualities are called upon during the festival of Duanwu, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, which occurs on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. The Chinese believe wearing clothes or using an object with representations of these creatures during the festival can ward off evil

Panel with the five poisonous creatures, Silk in patterned simple gauze, China

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Panel with the five poisonous creatures, Silk in patterned simple gauze, China
Panel with the five poisonous creatures, Silk in patterned simple gauze, China

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