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Unknown Maker, Chinese

Altar frontal

Maker

Unknown Maker, Chinese

Culture

Chinese

Title

Altar frontal

Year

late 1800s-early 1900s

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

silk, cotton

Geography

Place Made: China

Dimensions

Length: 132.7 cm (52 1/4 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Bequest of Miss Lucy T. Aldrich

Object Number

55.225

Type

Exhibition History

From the Land of the Immortals
Chinese Taoist Robes and Textiles
Jan 13, 2012 – Apr 22, 2012

Label copy

In this altarpiece five dragons float over mountains and waters, which together symbolize the celestial landscape. These five-clawed dragons, known as long, decorate

objects reserved for the imperial house, as opposed to the four-clawed mang dragons designed for lesser aristocrats. The central dragon, shown frontally, holds the flaming pearl (longzhu), a symbol of the power of the dragon, wisdom, knowledge, and the world. The five dragons are surrounded by bats and clouds, as well as by the Eight Taoist Attributes that symbolize the Eight Immortals of Taoism-sword, flute, fan, lotus/double gourd/crutch, castanets, flower basket, bamboo tube, and rods. At bottom, the Eight Precious Things of Buddhism-conch shell, wheel of the law, vase, parasol, two golden fish, lotus, banner of victory, and eternal knot-float amid the waves surrounding the sacred mountain.

Image use

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In copyright This object is in copyright

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Chinese
Altar frontal, late 1800s-early 1900s
Silk, metallic-wrapped yarn; satin weave, embroidered
Length: 132.7 cm (52 1/4 inches)
Bequest of Miss Lucy T. Aldrich 55.225

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