Hanging, large, of embroidered blue black satin. Central panel contains a long inscription. In the wide border figures of the Eight Immortals, cranes, bats and various symbols in couched gold thread and colors. A birthday hanging presented to a couple on their 80th birthday. Lining of coarse blue cotton. Former Classification: Textiles - Tapestry

Presentation Hanging for an Eightieth Birthday, 1887

Unknown artist, expand_more

Embroidered satinexpand_more

The John R. Van Derlip Fundexpand_more  42.8.308

Not on Viewexpand_more

When made for court personages, government officials, or other members of the aristocracy, commemorative hangings proclaiming meritorious service, major birthdays, or anniversaries could be spectacular objects. The dedicatory inscriptions are typically dated, while the figural imagery relating to family history is Confucian in nature. Taoist emblems connoting long life are also a standard part of the decoration. This hanging celebrates the eightieth birthdays of a husband and wife. In China, major birthday celebrations were held at sixty, seventy, and eighty years of age. The border surrounding the inscription of this magnificent hanging is comprised of one hundred stylized variations of the shou character which means long life. The lengthy inscription, translated in part in the adjoining label, gives a clear rendition of Confucian values. As the case is here, prominent writers and calligraphers were typically recruited by the family to compose the actual verse.

Details
Title
Presentation Hanging for an Eightieth Birthday
Role
Artist
Accession Number
42.8.308
Curator Approved

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Hanging, large, of embroidered blue black satin. Central panel contains a long inscription. In the wide border figures of the Eight Immortals, cranes, bats and various symbols in couched gold thread and colors. A birthday hanging presented to a couple on their 80th birthday. Lining of coarse blue cotton. Former Classification: Textiles - Tapestry