Flag for Theater
Original Language Title清代 龍紋戲曲旌旗
CultureChinese
Date17th-18th century
MediumSilk and metallic thread embroidery on silk satin
DimensionsOverall: 91 × 70 inches (231.14 × 177.8 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust
Object number32-187/2
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionTriangular flag with a decorative edge and a long thin strip attached to one end. Gold dragons embroidered on brown satin, with an orange border and lining.Gallery LabelWhen an acrobatic actor waved this large flag, the embroidered dragon would have appeared to leap to life. The dragon - an auspicious symbol common in Chinese textiles - wriggles to catch a flaming pearl in the upper right corner. Under the spotlight of a stage, the gold embroidery would draw the audience's attention.
This pennant flag is modeled after a banner erected for an imperial parade or ship. The red band, a modern replacement, would hoist the flag up a pole.
Purchased by Laurence Sickman in Beijing for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, in 1932.
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