Panel with Rabbits amid Clouds

late 16th–early 17th century
Not on view
The rabbits running among clouds are intended to symbolize the moon, which is inhabited by rabbits in Chinese tradition. Richly brocaded with gold thread, this textile is both luxurious and auspicious. A similar length of gauze was found at Dangling, the mausoleum of the emperor Wanli (r. 1573–1620) in suburban Beijing, and it seems likely that this piece dates from the same period.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明晚期 雲兔紋錦
  • Title: Panel with Rabbits amid Clouds
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
  • Date: late 16th–early 17th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Simple gauze and plain weave silk with supplementary metal thread brocade patterning
  • Dimensions: Overall: 39 3/4 × 33 1/2 in. (101 × 85.1 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Woven
  • Credit Line: Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of Jean E. Mailey, 1994
  • Object Number: 1994.391
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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