Mandarin Square

Imperial Censor's (or Judge's) square depicting a Xiezhi (獬豸).The animal, clouds, sun, and symbols are embroidered on gauze in a petit point technique, while the silver body of the animal and the gold background are intricately worked in threads of these precious metals in an odd form of overcasting. No rocks or sea, but the Eight Buddhist Symbols in background. (The animal soaring toward the sun, against the clouds, is equivalent to the flying birds on late Qing squares). A late border of bats alternating with circular shou characters.