Dragon Badge
CultureChinese
Datelate Ming dynasty (1552-1644)
MediumSilk and metallic thread embroidery
DimensionsOverall: 22 × 22 inches (55.88 × 55.88 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust
Object number41-15/19
On View
Not on viewCollections
Exhibition HistoryMasterpieces of Chinese Art, The Pasadena (CA) Art Institution, Exhibition of Chinese textiles. February 5-March 23, 1952, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, November 19, 1954-January 2, 1955.
This badge depicts a Chinese dragon, a mythical creature that changed over centuries and came to symbolize imperial power. Here, it has a horned head, sharp fangs, five claws, and an agile serpentine body. The dragon’s magical powers allow it to fly and dive deep in water. The badge, finely embroidered with luxurious silk and gold foiled threads, could only be fit for an emperor or heir apparent.
Julia St. Clair Krenz;
Purchased from Julia St. Clair Krenz; by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 1941.
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