The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Dragon Medallion

Dragon Medallion

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Dragon Medallion

Period:: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Culture:: China
Medium:: Silk and metallic-thread tapestry (kesi)
Dimensions:: Overall: 15 x 15 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm) Mount: 18 x 17 1/2 in. (45.7 x 44.5 cm)
Classification:: Textiles-Tapestries
Credit Line:: Fletcher Fund, 1936
Accession Number:: 36.65.33

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 220

Description

In a symbolic landscape of clouds, waves, and mountains, a powerful five-clawed dragon (long) grasps a flaming jewel. Although the edges of the textile are now concealed by the mount, the dragon roundel was woven in the same circular shape and was probably meant as part of the decoration of a robe. Ming-dynasty records mention dragon medallion robes for the use of members of the imperial family, and Ming emperors often wore them in official portraits.
See also
What
Textiles (32,863)

Silk (32,575)

Tapestries (2,180)

Medallions (817)

Kesi (83)
Where
Asia (68,258)

China (17,394)
In the Museum
Asian Art (35,161)
Timelines from the Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Central and North Asia, 1600-1800 A.D.

China, 1600-1800 A.D.

Central and North Asia, 1000-1400 A.D.

China, 1000-1400 A.D.

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