Decorative pendant with the Five Offerings
Silk textiles played an important role in the early Ming dynasty, both as the focus of religious practices and as formal gifts to Tibetan Buddhist clerics and other visitors to the Chinese court. This pendant depicts the five auspicious offerings in Buddhism, each symbolizing a sense or perception: the pile of fragrant incense (smell), the flower (color), the candle (light), the conch (sound), and the offering of food (taste). Meticulously embroidered with silk threads, the stylized lotus scrolls demonstrate the standard court design universally used on imperial works of art, including cloisonné enamel wares.
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