A VERY RARE PALE BLUE-GROUND KESI 'DRAGON' ROUNDEL
THE PROPERTY OF A EUROPEAN COLLECTOR
A VERY RARE PALE BLUE-GROUND KESI 'DRAGON' ROUNDEL

WANLI PERIOD (1573-1619)

Details
A VERY RARE PALE BLUE-GROUND KESI 'DRAGON' ROUNDEL
WANLI PERIOD (1573-1619)
The roundel is finely woven with a front-facing five-clawed dragon chasing a flaming pearl, holding two chrysanthemums in its raised claws, and with a large peony blossom set between his horns, amidst additional flowers including rose, chrysanthemum, peony, peach, and crab apple. The dragon is surrounded by six smaller dragons holding peaches and ruyi, and is woven with the birthday wishes wan nian sheng shou (wishing you ten thousand years of life) and hong fu qi tian (wishing good fortune).
14 ¼ in. (36.3 cm.) wide, mounted and framed
Provenance
Linda Wrigglesworth, London, 1996.

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Olivia Hamilton
Olivia Hamilton

Lot Essay

The badge was likely made to commemorate the Emperor's birthday with its references to longevity. Being a front facing dragon, this roundel was worn either at the Emperor's chest, at the heart, or at the back of his robe.

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