Art Institute of Chicago

Length of Painted Silk

Chinese, for the European or American market

Date

Qing dynasty (1644–1911), 1740-60

Medium

Silk, plain weave foundation; painted

Culture

China

Department

Textiles

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Chinese silk producers, like Indian cotton makers, catered to a vast network of international consumers. Here, Chinese artisans emulated English fabrics and created a delicate floral similar to that designed by Anna Maria Garthwaite. Such floral patterns were popular both in Europe and North America. In fact, the first First Lady of the United States, Martha Washington, owned a gown of Chinese painted silk.

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