Textile Fragment

Long, narrow rectangular silk fragment with no backing. The piece consists of two asymmetric three-clawed dragons chasing a central flaming pearl amidst clouds and waves. Two small groups of auspicious objects emerge from the waves. The piece is very damaged including splitting of the kesi (split tapestry weave), some damage on the dragon scales, and a frayed bottom edge. Silk thread colors include: dark and light blue, reddish brown, tan, black, light and dark brown, grey. Said to have come from of a court robe for a Chinese emperor.