Cleveland Museum of Art

Phoenix and Tree Peony

Date

1300s

Medium

Silk and silver thread: needle-loop embroidery, silvered paper

Culture

China, Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) - Ming dynasty (1368-1644)

Department

Textiles

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This needle-loop embroidery is distinguished by its exceptionally fine execution. Few other examples incorporate the variety of intricate diaper patterns seen here. Like most needle-loop embroideries, the phoenix is fragmentary. Rows of loops worked over pieces of gilded or silvered paper make needle-loop embroidery quite heavy. On the other hand, the ground fabrics upon which they were executed were usually lightweight silks. Unable to support the embroidery, they simply wore out over time.

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