307 - A Chinese embroidered silk wall hanging, 18th century, embroidered in the rococo style with peacocks, swans and pheasants among flowers and leaves, centred with the coat of arms of Stewart, all on an apricot ground (269 x 253cm) Footnote: The European market's enthusiasm for Chinese textiles during the 18th century encouraged a thriving export trade in embroidered furnishings and decorative hangings. This finely worked example demonstrates the adaptation of European rococo taste by Chinese artisans, featuring an elegant repeating design of floral sprays, musical instruments and pastoral motifs, executed in vibrant silk threads. Set against a broad field of luxurious silk, the textile was likely intended as a bed coverlet or wall hanging, where its lustrous surface would have created a striking visual effect in candlelit interiors. A comparable coat of arms is illustrated in David Howard, 'Chinese Armorial Porcelain', Volume I, p. 309. 清十八世纪 杏地刺绣徽章纹花鸟图挂屏 Condition Report: Signs of repairs and stains can be found in various locations, creases throughout, colours faded.