Celebratory scene
Dozens of guests and family members converge at a reception hall to pay their respects to an honored couple. Despite the absence of written inscriptions, the imagery of the work identifies the event and its setting: the birthday party of the celebrated Tang-dynasty general Guo Ziyi (697–781) at his residence. According to legend, Guo had many sons and grandsons, all of whom were highly successful in their official careers.
By the seventeenth century, Guo’s reception had become a metaphor for auspicious birthday celebrations in general. It was frequently depicted on large works that were given as congratulatory gifts to distinguished individuals.
By the seventeenth century, Guo’s reception had become a metaphor for auspicious birthday celebrations in general. It was frequently depicted on large works that were given as congratulatory gifts to distinguished individuals.
Artwork Details
- 清 刺繡賀壽圖十二條屏
- Title: Celebratory scene
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: 17th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Set of 12 hanging scrolls; silk embroidery and paint on silk satin
- Dimensions: Image (each scroll): 79 1/4 × 18 7/8 in. (201.3 × 47.9 cm)
Overall with mounting (each scroll): 88 1/4 × 18 7/8 in. (224.2 × 47.9 cm) - Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
- Credit Line: Gift of Cynthia Hazen Polsky, in honor of Leon B. Polsky, and in celebration of the Museum’s 150th Anniversary, 2019
- Object Number: 2019.445.1a–l
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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ca. 1700
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first half 18th century
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18th century
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