Chinese Silk Phoenix Banner Satin Stitch Republic Period

A hand-embroidered silk banner with a design of a large phoenix surrounded by peonies, butterflies, peaches, bats, and ruyi fungus on a lime green silk ground.

The colorful green silk has been hand-embroidered using a satin stitch in many vibrant colors. The embroidery also uses gold couched threads to form rocks, branches, shou characters, and Buddhist symbols. The bottom edge shows a double line of thread in blue and buff.

MEASUREMENTS

44 ½” long x 12 ½” wide. Weighs 2.2 oz (45 g)

CONDITION

The embroidery is in generally good condition for its age, although threads along the bottom edge have come loose and some are missing. A few other threads are loose but mostly intact. The embroidery on the left side has been folded and so I believe the piece was larger at one time but was originally larger. There is a stain to the green background on the upper edge near the center. The threads and silk backing are still very bright and colorful.

This banner will look great preserved by framing. It will add so much to many decors, including mid-century.