Blue Woven Silk Runner with Boat Motif

Textile

-

Calvin University Center Art Gallery

The image depicts a rectangular blue textile with intricate embroidery of sailing ships at both ends, surrounded by swirling waves and decorative elements, all framed by a thin, symmetrical white border.

The image depicts a rectangular blue textile with intricate embroidery of sailing ships at both ends, surrounded by swirling waves and decorative elements, all framed by a thin, symmetrical white border.

Name/Title

Blue Woven Silk Runner with Boat Motif

Entry/Object ID

1989.15.9

Textile Type

Table Runner

Category

Vault, Chinese, Objects, Vehicle, Functional Object
Ethnic

Made/Created

Artist

Anonymous Chinese

Dimensions

Dimension Description

overall size

Height

12-5/8 in

Width

49 in

Exhibition

Permanent Collection - Center Art Gallery: summer 1990

General Notes

Note

A royal blue table cover with animal and flower symbols. Symbols of longevity, vitality, success and prosperity fill the surface of this table cover. Examples of longevity include butterflies, cranes, and peaches. Similarly, the bamboo represent strength, endurance, flexibility, and success. The flowers could be lotus, a symbol of fertility, or peonies, representing beauty and high rank. The deer in the corners may be plum blossom deer, a species of deer so named for the white spots on their fur. Deer represent the attainment of officialdom and success. Because of the multitude of these symbols, the design of this table cover may have been intended for a high ranking citizen.