Late 19th Century Late 19th Century Chinese Kesi Embroidery Panel Tapestry Framed

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We are pleased to offer an unusual antique Chinese Kesi (緙絲) and embroidery panel/tapestry, framed, the center Kesi work depicting … Read more We are pleased to offer an unusual antique Chinese Kesi (緙絲) and embroidery panel/tapestry, framed, the center Kesi work depicting theatrical scenes of battle flanked by an embroidered band decorated with intricate floral patterns, late 19th century, late Qing Dynasty, wooden frame with glass cover, in overall good condition with some discoloration, light marks and other minor imperfections commesurate with the age and use, wear, scuffs and minor paint losses to wooden frame
Private Manhattan collection
23 1/4 in. wide 35 1/8 in. high (frame)
19 1/2 in. wide, 31 3/4 in. high (image)

K'o-ssu or kesi ( 緙絲) is a technique in Chinese silk tapestry, admired for its lightness and clarity of pattern. "K'o-ssu" means "cut silk", a name that comes from the appearance of cut threads created by the use of color in the pictorial designs typical of the style (often copies of famous paintings). Unlike continuous weft brocade, in k'o-ssu each colour area was woven from a separate bobbin, making the style both technically demanding and time-consuming. K'o-ssu first appeared during the Tang Dynasty (618–907), and became popular in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279), reaching its height during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). The style continued to be popular until the early 20th century, and the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1911–12. See less