Door valance and side panels with dragons

China

Not on view

The striking five-clawed dragons and the impeccable quality of this valance and side panels set suggest that it decorated a doorway in an imperial residence. The figure of the dragon has a number of associations and incarnations—all positive—in Chinese mythology. Here, the dragons primarily signify the emperor as the Son of Heaven and the intercessor between heaven and earth on behalf of the people.

Door valance and side panels with dragons, Silk and metallic thread brocade, China

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Door valance and side panels with dragons, Silk and metallic thread brocade, China
Door valance and side panels with dragons, Silk and metallic thread brocade, China
Door valance and side panels with dragons, Silk and metallic thread brocade, China
Door valance and side panels with dragons, Silk and metallic thread brocade, China
Door valance and side panels with dragons, Silk and metallic thread brocade, China
Door valance and side panels with dragons, Silk and metallic thread brocade, China
Door valance and side panels with dragons, Silk and metallic thread brocade, China
Door valance and side panels with dragons, Silk and metallic thread brocade, China
Door valance and side panels with dragons, Silk and metallic thread brocade, China

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