Framed Fine Chinese Antique Embroidery Panels with Forbidden Knots - a Pair

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A pair of framed antique Chinese embroidery textile panels circa 19th century of Qing Dynasty. Each piece features two mirror-matching … Read more A pair of framed antique Chinese embroidery textile panels circa 19th century of Qing Dynasty. Each piece features two mirror-matching panels (likely designated to be the sleeves), finely embroidered with colored threads and mounted in embroidered dark brocade borders and tastefully presented in carved faux-bamboo gilt frames. The frames are nearly identical in height at 21.5" inch, with one slightly wider than the other (one is 10.75 and the other is 11.25 inches).
The embroidery work is among the finest we have seen. Largely done with forbidden knots (a coined Chinese name due to the difficulty and potential damages it causes to the embroiderer's eyesight, also known as Beijing Knots) and long and short satin stiches and supplemented with chain stitches, the picture showcases pairs of flying butterflies with stylized large wings flanking opulent peony blossom. The body of the butterflies and peonies were executed entirely with forbidden knots, dense and tight, while the foliage was performed using satin stiches. The workmanship is superb, and the colorways are bright and abundant.
Butterflies, pairs in flight, allude to lovers in Chinese culture and folklore, rooted in the famous story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, the two star-crossed lovers in ancient time, who turned into a pair of butterflies in afterlife. The motif was specifically used for wedding attires. Peonies, on the other hand, symbolized female beauty, good fortunate and prosperity. See less