清代缂丝：寿
清代缂丝：寿
Perfect for a birthday celebration and probably intended as a gift, this massive panel extends one of the most cherished wishes in Chinese tradition: longevity, in the form of the Chinese character for that blessing, shou. The tapestry is meticulously executed with gold threads that parallel calligraphic effects, including the use of smudged areas at the end of several strokes—a technique known as “flying white” that reveals the mobility and rhythm of brushstrokes found in writing.
© Panel with the Chinese Character for Longevity (Shou), 18th century, silk and metallic thread tapestry (kesi), 241.3 x 146.1 cm, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, USA
Perfect for a birthday celebration and probably intended as a gift, this massive panel extends one of the most cherished wishes in Chinese tradition: longevity, in the form of the Chinese character for that blessing, shou. The tapestry is meticulously executed with gold threads that parallel calligraphic effects, including the use of smudged areas at the end of several strokes—a technique known as “flying white” that reveals the mobility and rhythm of brushstrokes found in writing.
© Panel with the Chinese Character for Longevity (Shou), 18th century, silk and metallic thread tapestry (kesi), 241.3 x 146.1 cm, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, USA