Qing dynasty (1644-1912), 17th or 18th century, cotton with silk thread, three vertical panels decorated with imperial and auspicious motifs as well as native flora to Hainan, framed individually with glass.

Frame dimensions 82 1/2 x 26 1/4 in., Banner size 72 x 16 3/4 in.

The Li people on the island of Hainan had been known in China for their superior and beautiful weaving techniques, fabrics, and dyes since the Han dynasty. Word of their skills grew and in the Ming and Qing dynasty emperors began demanding tribute be sent to the palace in the form of weavings. Unlike the finery of imperial embroidery on silk, these banners were made of thick homespun cotton panels, probably created on a foot-braced back-strap loom such as one would expect tribal groups to use, adorned with deep indigo ground dye and embroidered in silk with designs and colors representing local vegetation as well as incorporating imperial motifs such as dragons and phoenixes, and auspicious symbols like qilin, guardian lions and flowers. Many of these panels were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution leaving the remaining examples, such as the set in this auction, significant in cultural and historical importance.

Each panel with some loose threads and loss to some silk threads in areas especially to side and lower diamond border; some scattered areas of minor wear to fabric; a few minor stain spots to upper stripe border on left panel; not examined outside of the frames.

$2,000 - 4,000