Embroidery of a running dragon on imperial yellow silk

Description:

China, 18th c.
41,5 x 96 cm (59 x 114,5 cm R.)
Silk satin (imperial yellow), embroidery: colored silk, untwisted threads, satin stitch; gold thread, double, appliqué technique. The five-clawed dragon chases a flaming pearl among the clouds. A blue bat flies between the clouds, and treasures such as pearls and bundles of scrolls float in the arched waves.
Formerly from a South German private collection, acquired on 3 May 1989 at Antiquitäten-Asiatika, Cresnik, Baden-Baden (copy of purchase invoice available) - In fairly good condition, partially soiled, water stains, a few creases. Framed under glass with passe-partout
Smaller cloud shapes in graduated shades of blue have been subsequently inserted into the embroidery, presumably to conceal soiled or damaged areas. However, these clouds are skilfully matched to the original embroidery