Framed Embroidered Blue Silk Crepe Fragment from a Robe

Blue silk crepe fragment embroidered with two qilin, which resemble dragons but have hooves instead of claws. This fragment is from a robe, and the two qilin have wrapped around the wearer's collar. The qilin have been rendered in gold metal-wrapped threads, which have been couched into place to add texture to their bodies. They are surrounded by peonies, other flowers, and auspicious symbols. Even though use of the dragon motif was restricted through the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, civilians and lower-ranking courtiers still coveted dragon designs. In order to avoid violating regulations set out by the imperial courts, variations of the dragon motif were applied to textiles, garments, and other material culture.