Lot 147: Large Framed Chinese Silk Embroidery of a Hundred Birds Facing the Sun
A large-scale Chinese silk embroidery panel, framed under glass. The work is executed in multi-coloured silk threads on a light-coloured silk ground, employing needlework techniques including satin stitch and long-and-short stitch to provide texture and depth to the plumage and foliage. The composition depicts the traditional motif of Bai Niao Chao Feng (Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix), featuring a central pair of phoenixes perched upon a gnarled tree trunk. The scene is populated by a wide variety of avian life, including a peacock, cranes, mandarin ducks, swallows, and various songbirds, set amongst blossoming peonies, magnolia, and bamboo. A large, stylized red and orange sun occupies the upper left quadrant. Adjacent to the sun is a four-character calligraphic inscription hand-stitched in black silk thread reading 百鳥朝陽 (Bai Niao Chao Yang), which translates to A Hundred Birds Facing the Sun. The panel is housed in a gilt-finished wooden frame.
Condition report:
The silk ground shows significant and prominent water staining and brown foxing/discolouration, particularly visible across the right-hand side of the panel and along the lower edge (photo 1). There is noticeable rippling and waving of the silk fabric within the frame, indicating it is not tensioned flat (photo 1). The silk threads remain generally vibrant, though there is evidence of light-related fading to the ground material. The gilt wooden frame exhibits minor scuffing, surface wear, and small losses to the gilt finish consistent with age (photo 1).
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