Large Chinese Silk Piece. Hand Embroidered in the 19th century. Qing Dynasty

Antique Chinese hand-embroidered silk piece that dates from the 19th century, Qing Dynasty era (1644-1912). The silk boasts a deep blue color with delicate tone gradations, and is embroidered with silk threads in other colors (ochre, white and black) to create an elegant decorative motive in which a series of expressive imperial five-fingered dragons stand out. These dragons are symbols of good fortune. Qing Dynasty ruled China when this lovely piece was made and it was the last imperial dynasty before the Communist government reached the power. The last Qing emperor, Puyi, left his throne when the Chinese Revolution started in 1911; his life was reflected by famous The Last Emperor film by Bernardo Bertolucci.This natural silk piece was very probably an imperial cloth, maybe a collar, and was surely worn by some major figure in the court. The imperial dragons are significant enough in this respect. The piece is rectangular in shape and big in size, being its background color a deep dark blue with a wide motive surrounded by a wavy-cornered frame that covers almost the whole piece. This motive boasts a wide range of magnificent embroidered designs full of beauty and detail. The center is occupied by a circular design with black background and an embroidered dragon inside. This beast is surrounded by three more dragons which are framed by a circle made up of snowy mountains. The rest of the silky piece shows a clear blue background and four bigger dragons disposed in a symmetrical way: similar dragons are opposite each other.Two of the pieces sides are embellished by symmetrical embroidered patterns, with abstract and decorative motives which seem to symbolize clouds with colored rain or rays. Though most of the framed background is adorned with embroidered designs (white bats, vases, waves, flowers), one of the corners is unembroidered and only shows the blue background. The overall piece is in good condition except for any slight signs of wear that can be repaired by an expert restorer, or be left just well alone as a sign and part of this decorative silks fascinating history.This great natural silk piece is a witness of Chinese Empires history, and is also the perfect item to be shown off on the most visible wall of a stylish room.Measurements: Width: 1080 mm. Height: 1080 mm.