The term "china" was used in Europe from early times as a synonym for the finest pottery, a tribute to the perfection which the Chinese had attained in the art of making porcelain in terms of craftsmanship, beauty and elegance. What is not so well known is that China was also known as "sericum"--the Land of Silk.
The art of silk production and weaving dates back to before the Han Dynasty (206 BC-219 AD). Most silk embroidery pieces are decorated with designs of propitious animals and birds or landscapes, sometimes embellished with good luck slogans such as "long life" and "eternal happiness." When Buddhist influences became strong in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) religious sayings and images also appeared. Later, silk was used as an exclusive decoration by noblemen until the Sung Dynasty (960-1279) when it became more widely used.
Picture above shows one of the 34 pieces of silk kept in the National Palace Museum located in the suburbs of Taipei. Measuring 25〞x 58〞this delicate and beautiful work of art has various Ching Dynasty (1644-1911) emperors' chops and seals inscribed in red on it.
Silk Embroidery Picture above shows one of the 34 pieces of silk kept in the National Palace Museum located in the suburbs of Taipei. Measuring 25〞x 58〞this delicate and beautiful work of art has various Ching Dynasty (1644-1911) emperors' chops and seals inscribed in red on it.
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