Counterpane, painted silk satin

Date1770-1800

MediumSilk satin, hand painted

Dimensions91 3/4" X 124". Selvage width 29".

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1958-372

DescriptionRectangular bed counterpane of cream white silk satin, hand painted in a flowering tree design. Central design has gnarled and bamboo-like flowering trees rising from grassy mound. Smaller trees spring from grass on either side of larger tree. Border on all four sides consisting of alternate floral bouquets and arborescent trees, rising from rocky ground, all growing toward the center. White satin weave silk, painted with thickly applied colors over white underpaint in green, blue, purple, black, brown, and white. Designs once outlined with silver, now tarnished to dark grey. Counterpane consists of 3 1/5 panels, seamed vertically at selvages. Selvages have ribbed yellow outside edges with orange satin inner stripes; temple holes present.
MarkingsTemple holes in selvages typical of Chinese woven silks.