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K’o-ssu Panel with Five-Clawed Dragon

1849-1899

Scroll

K’o-ssu Panel with Five-Clawed Dragon

1849-1899

Physical Qualities Silk, metallic threads, 35 1/2 x 16 1/2 in. (90.2 x 41.9 cm.)
Credit Line Gift of Alexander Baer, Baltimore
Object Number 2011.332
A rectangular panel of ko'ssu or kesi (split-tapestry) weaving probably taken from larger banner or robe. The panel features a five-clawed dragon (side view) holding a flaming pearl within its talons floating above the typical sea pattern of diagonal stripes in multiple-toned colors (6 shades of every hue), including lt. lavender to purple, whitish blue to blue, lt. to dark green, whitish pink to dark coral or red, and gold-beige to greenish brown. Floating in the waves above the sea are some of the 8 Precious things, including pearls, coral, square coins (fang sheng), circular coins, (sheng), and a roll of silk. Also in the seas are Buddhist symbols including the amrita and another appearing like a halberd, but with additional ornament. Sections of mountains are seen on either side of the panel, each being cut in half or less and partially covered by the border. Floating in the medium blue skies with the dragon, which is worked largely in metallic gold threads, are typical auspicious symbols including red and green bats, cranes with peaches in their beaks, clouds, as well as an umbrella of state, peony flowers, a symbol representing long life, and ru-yi scepter ornamented with coins and pearls. Colors used throughout include lt., dark and medium blue, lt., dark and medium blue-green, lt. lavender, lavender, and purple, black, white, red, pink and/or coral, shade of green, and yellow, as well as metallic gold. All the imagery appears to be performed in slit-tapestry to the smallest detail with the exception of the outlines in the bat forms, which are added in ink. The panel has cut edges, except for a section of selvage to the upper right (viewer's right) which was cut through in the lower half of the panel.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2011; Alex Baer, Baltimore

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