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Sutra Cover with Dragons and Phoenixes

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Red rectangular textile with gold designs. The gold designs include dragons and phoenixes among flowers and leaves. The dragons are depicted in various poses, and the phoenixes are shown with their tails and wings spread. The background of the textile is a deep red color, and the gold designs are intricately woven throughout. The textile has a smooth, flat surface and appears to be made of a luxurious fabric such as silk or brocade. The edges of the textile are straight and even, with no visible fringe or tassels. The overall effect is one of opulence and grandeur, suggesting that the textile may have been used for ceremonial or ritual purposes.

Artwork Details

Date
16th century
Medium
Silk satin with supplementary silk weft patterning
Culture
China
Dimensions
286 × 625 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette