Framed Chinese Silk Embroidered Robe Flying Cranes & Auspicious Clouds

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Framed Chinese Silk Embroidered Robe with Flying Cranes and Auspicious Clouds, Circa Early 20th Century

A stunning example of Chinese … Read more Framed Chinese Silk Embroidered Robe with Flying Cranes and Auspicious Clouds, Circa Early 20th Century

A stunning example of Chinese textile artistry, this richly embroidered silk robe is presented in a custom, museum-style shadow box frame. The robe itself measures 34 inches high by 60 inches wide and is mounted against a black ground within a substantial faux bamboo frame (overall dimensions: 47 inches high by 75 inches wide; frame depth: 3 inches).

Executed in meticulous silk satin stitch embroidery, the robe features a dynamic motif of red-crowned cranes in flight, surrounded by stylized ruyi clouds—symbols of longevity, nobility, and peace in Chinese tradition. The use of couched metallic thread, decorative braid trim, and precisely scaled, naturalistic feathers reflects a high level of needlework consistent with early 20th-century decorative robes made for the elite or ceremonial occasions.

The cranes (heavenly messengers and Taoist immortality symbols) are balanced throughout the composition in a rhythmic, auspicious pattern, while the ruyi cloud forms suggest celestial harmony and good fortune. The elegant palette of midnight blue, cream, celadon, and coral is both historically grounded and visually timeless.

This textile showcases several hallmark techniques of Chinese embroidery:

Satin stitch, used to create the flowing wings and layered feathers, provides a lustrous sheen across the silk surface.

Couching, likely used for outlining the forms and detailing borders, anchors metallic and heavier threads for added visual dimension.

Split stitch defines finer elements such as the cranes' crests and plumes.

Forbidden stitch (Peking knot) may be seen in miniature embellishments like eyes and decorative flourishes—an extremely delicate and labor-intensive form once reserved for elite garments.

A richly symbolic and aesthetically captivating work of textile art, elegantly mounted and preserved under Plexiglas, ready to hang and enjoy.

Set within a carved faux bamboo giltwood frame under Plexiglas, this piece is ready to hang and admire—ideal for collectors of Asian textiles, design decorators, or as a one-of-a-kind statement artwork. See less