245 - Embroidered silk hanging depicting the birthday of Guo Ziyi, China, late 19th century

Embroidered silk hanging depicting the birthday of Guo Ziyi, China, late 19th century Vertically rectangular in shape, this orange silk hanging, embroidered with multicolored and metallic threads, depicts the birthday celebration of Guo Ziyi—郭子儀, a general of the Tang dynasty (697–781). He is seated with his wife beneath a gate, between a pine tree and a weeping willow; the gate’s pediment bears the inscription 汾陽王 (Fényáng Wáng) and is decorated with lanterns. The couple is surrounded by dignitaries—one of whom is prostrating—and by children holding lotus flowers and banners. Bats, butterflies in the clouds, and flowers dot the background. At the top, a green silk flap is embroidered with figures, butterflies, bats, and flowers, extending into a silk net from which multicolored tassels hang. 192 x 83 cm Sun-faded, with missing sections and tears.