Medallion
Unknown Artist
18th–19th century
Medium
Silk; on silk
Dimensions
3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (8.89 x 8.89 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Embroidered
Culture & Period
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of William Christian Paul, 1929
Accession Number
30.75.818
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate silk medallion, embroidered on silk, hails from China's Qing dynasty (16441911), a period renowned for its opulent craftsmanship and refined artistic traditions. Measuring just 3½ x 3½ inches, this square textile exemplifies the exquisite precision of Qing embroidery, where skilled artisans layered fine silk threads to create vibrant, textured designs. Likely intended as a decorative ornament for clothing, accessories, or furnishings, its small scale highlights the era's mastery of miniature artistry. Butterflies, a recurring motif captured in the tags, hold deep cultural symbol...