Table Frontal

This panel includes a large mythical animal associated with rulers and power. The beast, called a qilin, sits within a landscape of flowers and symbols of good fortune. It was altered sometime after it was made; the upper section was removed and a double border was added. The outer border appears to come from a dragon robe dating to the late 1600s. Look closely to see the small bat above the qilin’s head. It is in a different style and of a finer technique than the rest of the fabric, so it was likely a later addition, perhaps added along with the borders.