A SILK BROCADE 'FIVE CRANES' WALL HANGING, LATE QING DYNASTY China, 19^th century. Of square form, finely embroidered with gold, silver and silk brocade on a dark blue silk ground, depicting a garden scene with five cranes, rockwork, and floral sprays at the center, encircled by four butterflies with spread wings, and four double-dragon carps in the corners.

Provenance: From a European private collection, assembled prior to 2007.
Condition: Superb condition with minuscule soiling, no losses or loose threads, the colors still vibrant and crisp.

Dimensions: Size 90.5 x 89.5 cm

Cranes play an important role in Chinese mythology, as they are venerated as the princes of all feathered creatures. Embodying longevity and peace, the crane is the second most favored bird symbol after the phoenix. Throughout imperial times, crane motifs were used on the robes of civil officials to depict their ranks. Because of its ability to fly high and over long distances, its wings were also used as an amulet for protection against exhaustion.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Bonhams San Francisco, 15 December 2009, lot 8175
Price: USD 1,220 or approx. EUR 1,700 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A blue silk ground panel embroidered with gilt-wrapped threads, 19th Century
Expert remark: Compare the related subject, colors, brocade, gilt thread, and similar size (77 x 104.5 cm).



晚清藍地五鶴刺綉掛屏
中國，十九世紀。長方掛屏，深藍色地，以金、銀絲織刺繡，六邊開光園中五隻仙鶴，花團錦簇；開光外四隻展翅蝴蝶與四條雙龍鯉。

來源：歐洲私人收藏，建立於2007年。
品相：狀況極佳，極少污漬，沒有脫落或鬆散的線，顏色仍然鮮豔。

尺寸：90.5 x 89.5 厘米

拍賣結果比較：
形制：相近
拍賣：舊金山邦瀚斯，2009年12月15日，lot 8175
價格：USD 1,220（相當於今日EUR 1,700）
描述：十九世紀藍地金絲刺繡掛屏
專家評論：比較相近的主題、顏色、錦緞、金線，以及相似尺寸(77 x 104.5 厘米)。