Square, Tasseled Table Cover

Textile

-

Calvin University Center Art Gallery

The image depicts a vibrant blue textile with ornate, symmetrical floral and mythical creature designs in gold and white. At the center is a detailed, circular pattern, surrounded by elegant birds and deer, while intricate borders frame the entire piece. The edges are adorned with blue tassels, enhancing the fabric's decorative quality.

The image depicts a vibrant blue textile with ornate, symmetrical floral and mythical creature designs in gold and white. At the center is a detailed, circular pattern, surrounded by elegant birds and deer, while intricate borders frame the entire piece. The edges are adorned with blue tassels, enhancing the fabric's decorative quality.

Name/Title

Square, Tasseled Table Cover

Entry/Object ID

1989.15.8

Textile Type

Table Cloth

Category

Vault, Chinese, Design/Pattern/Shape, Animals, Functional Object
Ethnic

Made/Created

Artist

Anonymous Chinese

Date made

circa 1850

Dimensions

Dimension Description

overall size

Height

36 in

Width

36 in

Exhibitions

Permanent Collection - Center Art Gallery: summer 1990
Permanent Collection exhibition - September 1, 2015 - May 2016 Center Art Gallery

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.