257 - China, Qing Dynasty, Pair of kesi panels with auspicious motifs. 1880–1910. Colored silk thread and gold thread on coral-pink silk fabric. On the reverse, a lining of ecru silk is sewn along all four sides. 160 x 49.5 cm. A pair of tapestries or runners with colorful woven motifs on a coral-red silk background. The decoration is symmetrical: in the lower register, a crane standing on one leg on a small island in the shade of a twisted pine tree (the crane and pine are symbols of longevity); above it, two bats (symbolizing happiness) and a flying crane; in the foreground, a terraced pagoda. In the center, a band featuring clusters of chrysanthemum and peony blossoms along with other auspicious symbols: a flaming pearl, a carp (perseverance and success), a small jar for ointment, and the tip of a ritual staff—references to the attributes of the Eight Immortals. In the upper register, an island with flowering shrubs, plum blossoms, peonies, and lotus flowers; a phoenix (Fenghuang, a symbol of virtue and grace) perched on a rock and another in flight. At the top is a beautiful decorative motif featuring ribbon-like clouds and two symmetrically facing fish, one of the most powerful and elegant symbols of good fortune, harmony, and prosperity. The two panels are made using the kesi technique, a traditional, refined, and complex weaving method: each area of color is woven separately using tiny shuttles, creating almost tiny gaps between the blocks of color and giving the impression that the design is literally “cut out.” The most common motifs depicted, as in this case, include symbols of longevity and prosperity, imperial dragons, phoenixes, bats, deer, natural landscapes, pagodas, rivers, bamboo, and lotus flowers. (2) Signs of wear and slight discoloration from display.