19th Century Qing Dynasty Embroidered Silk Qilin Panel With Metallic Thread

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A remarkable 19th-century Chinese embroidered silk panel from the Qing dynasty, centered by a monumental qilin worked in extraordinarily dense … Read more A remarkable 19th-century Chinese embroidered silk panel from the Qing dynasty, centered by a monumental qilin worked in extraordinarily dense silk and gold-toned metallic-wrapped thread.
The mythical qilin dominates the composition, dramatically rendered against a deep blue-green silk ground. Dense directional embroidery gives the creature remarkable dimension and texture, while contrasting silk threads articulate its hooves, mane, facial features and other details. The metallic embroidery catches and reflects light differently across the surface, creating an almost sculptural quality when viewed at close range.
Surrounding the qilin is a delicately embroidered landscape of flowers, foliage, clouds, water and other auspicious motifs. The contrast between the densely worked creature and the much finer landscape embroidery gives the composition unusual depth and visual movement.
The qilin is one of the great auspicious creatures of Chinese art, traditionally associated with benevolence, prosperity and auspicious events. Although qilin also appeared on Qing military rank badges, the scale, format and pictorial composition of this textile indicate a decorative embroidered panel rather than a rank badge.
The embroidery demonstrates a sophisticated variety of techniques, from densely laid metallic-wrapped threads and directional stitching across the body of the qilin to finely worked silk details in the surrounding landscape. Comparable Qing textiles in museum collections are catalogued as embroidered silk panels incorporating silk and metallic thread. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The textile is preserved under glass in an old black lacquered wood frame. The aged mounting and presentation appear longstanding, and the panel has not been removed from the frame for examination.
China, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Framed dimensions: approximately 24" W x 36" H
Very good antique condition considering age, with expected age-related wear and variations to the silk and embroidery. The textile remains framed under glass; condition of areas concealed by the mounting has not been examined. Please review photographs, including detailed images of the embroidery and metallic-wrapped threads. See less