Coverlet or Wall Hanging
Asian Rococo
Wealthy British consumers appreciated the skill and decorative effect of Chinese embroidery, which fueled a vigorous import industry. In this example, in a gesture to their clientele’s taste, Chinese needleworkers have rendered a repeat pattern of European rococo motifs–floral, musical and bucolic–in careful detail and lively color. Spread across a generous expanse of fine, soft Asian silk, the bed coverlet or wall hanging must have been quite lovely when viewed in shimmering candlelight.
Wealthy British consumers appreciated the skill and decorative effect of Chinese embroidery, which fueled a vigorous import industry. In this example, in a gesture to their clientele’s taste, Chinese needleworkers have rendered a repeat pattern of European rococo motifs–floral, musical and bucolic–in careful detail and lively color. Spread across a generous expanse of fine, soft Asian silk, the bed coverlet or wall hanging must have been quite lovely when viewed in shimmering candlelight.
Artwork Details
- Title: Coverlet or Wall Hanging
- Date: ca. 1700–1800
- Culture: Chinese, made for the European or American market
- Medium: Silk, embroidered with silk
- Dimensions: 8 ft. 5 in. × 87 in. (256.5 × 221 cm)
- Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
- Credit Line: Gift of Karen B. Cohen, in honor of Rochelle C. Rosenberg, 2022
- Object Number: 2022.147.11
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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