Minneapolis Institute of Art

Table Frontal

China

Date

1368–1644

Medium

Silk tapestry (kesi)

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This panel includes a large mythical animal associated with rulers and power. The beast, called a qilin , sits within a landscape of flowers and symbols of good fortune. It was altered sometime after it was made; the upper section was removed and a double border was added. The outer border appears to come from a dragon robe dating to the late 1600s. Look closely to see the small bat above the qilin ’s head. It is in a different style and of a finer technique than the rest of the fabric, so it was likely a later addition, perhaps added along with the borders. China, Asia

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