GOLD-THREAD AND SILK EMBROIDERY HANGING STEAMER QING

gold-thread and silk on a satin ground, with three five-clawed dragons amidst ruyi clouds and chasing flaming jewels above the swirling sea (Dimensions: 173cm long, 21cm widest part) (Qty: 1)

(173cm long, 21cm widest part)

Qty: (1)

Provenance: Private UK collection, acquired by Captain Robert Edward Dudley Ryder VC, M.P (1908 – 1986) from western China as a surveyor in the 19th century, thence by descent. Captain Robert Edward Dudley Ryder VC was a Royal Navy officer and a British recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He became a Member of Parliament after retiring from the navy. Note: with a V&A letter dated to 7th December 1954, written by G. F. Wingfield Digby, Keeper of the Department of Textiles to Captain Robert Ryder, suggested that 'This is a streamer from a hanging, probably a door-hanging; it might also have been used on an alter-frontal, although these streamers were usually not quite so long as this. The embroidery is in gold-thread and silk on a satin ground, and I think it very probable that it came from one of the Palaces...." (see images for full letter)