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Decorative pendant with the Five Offerings

early 15th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 220
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明早期 刺繡五供養掛飾
  • Title: Decorative pendant with the Five Offerings
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
  • Date: early 15th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Silk and metal thread embroidery on silk satin
  • Dimensions: Overall: 25 1/2 x 12 in. (64.8 x 30.5 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Joseph E. Hotung Gift, 1989
  • Object Number: 1989.4
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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