late 16th-early 17th century
China
Object qualities
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Object
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumSilk gauze with plain-weave patterning, brocaded with silk and metallic thread
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Size40 1/2 x 33 1/2 in. (102.9 x 85.1 cm)
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Geography details
China -
Country today
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Datelate 16th-early 17th century
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CultureChina
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PeriodMing dynasty (1368-1644)
Source of information
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
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The rabbits running among clouds are intended to symbolize the moon, which is inhabited by rabbits in Chinese tradition. Richly brocaded with gold thread, this textile is both luxurious and auspicious. A similar length of gauze was found at Dangling, the mausoleum of the emperor Wanli (r. 1573–1620) in suburban Beijing, and it seems likely that this piece dates from the same period.
