Jin-silk with Gold Da Zi Themed on Autumn Mountains

This piece of fabric features a decorative design called “Da Zi” (搭子, meaning blocks), namely, a pattern with motifs in various forms dotting a small area, which was a popular embellishment to silk textiles during the Jin and Yuan dynasties (1115-1368 AD). Different from floral medallions, da zi patterns, which stick to one theme on a single piece, are neither confined to the circular shape nor accompanied by a ring frame or subordinate floral motifs. On this item, decorative elements illustrate a autumn mountain view, namely, a lying deer looking around the trees and mountains behind, are arranged in a raindrop shape.
Da zi pattern was a common decoration to officials’ attire in the Jin and Yuan period. As recorded in Da Jin Ji Li (大金集礼), the garments of the second and third rank officials should be adorned with floral dazi, and Tong Zhi Tiao Ge (通制条格) of the Yuan dynasty also stipulated that the apparel of the third rank officials should feature gold-adorned dazi pattern.