Bidspirit auction | Lrg Chinese Embr. Silk Immortal

Lrg Chinese Embr. Silk Immortal Panel 5'10”x3'9” - Large Chinese embroidered silk kesi panel, late 19th to early 20th century. Depicting a male figure likely representing ”Shoulao, ” a Daoist immortal and god of longevity, seated beside ”Xi Wangmu, ” alternatively named ”Queen Mother of the West” and prominent goddess of immortality. Shoulao robed in garment bearing repeated shou (longevity) symbols; Xi Wangmu dressed in robe embroidered with peaches, a traditional emblem of longevity. The figures flanked by a dragon clutching a double gourd and crane perched in contemplative pose, while butterflies and bats fly overhead. A plate bearing a Buddha’s hand citron fruit rests atop lantern in the background. Executed in vibrantly dyed silk threads on intense crimson red ground. Length: 5 ft 10 in x width: 3 ft 9 in. Condition: There are scattered losses, areas of fraying, and shattering to the silk throughout. Some scattered stains and tears. The upper edge is reinforced with a backing; this backing is somewhat brittle and stiff. Wear along the extreme edges, including several tears, losses, areas of fraying, and areas where it is becoming detached from the textile. There are no odors.