Bidspirit auction | Rare large-format silk embroidery ''Shou-Zhang''

Rare large-format silk embroidery ''Shou-Zhang'' - Festive Birthday Wall Hanging - Rare large-format silk embroidery ''Shou-Zhang'' - Festive Birthday Wall Hanging China, Qing Dynasty, probably 19th century. Silk embroidery. Dimensions: approx. 240 x 91 cm. Shou-Zhang (festive curtain). The condition of the piece corresponds to its advanced age. Visible tears, abrasions and minor soiling. Signs of age and wear. Finely embroidered with various motifs, including depictions such as the birthday celebration of the Immortals, the Peach Festival of the Queen Mother of the West, imperial inspection tours and scenes of court homage, the three figures for happiness, wealth and longevity, as well as narratives about Daoist Immortals. ''Shou-Zhang” or ''Shou-Zhan” from the Qing Dynasty were richly embroidered festive curtains used at birthday celebrations, blessing ceremonies and family festivities. They were considered objects of prestige that only wealthy families could afford. In the Manchu aristocracy, such decorative hangings were widespread and played an important role in imperial birthday ceremonies, especially for celebrations for empress dowagers. High-quality examples were made in Suzhou and Beijing and were often used together with longevity screens and vertical festive banners.