Scroll cover

清朝愽地織港泚箋絏橵光椧恳戲珠牡丹圖紋書畫包巾

This fabric was designed to wrap a scroll of Chinese painting
or calligraphy. The yellow silk would have protected the artwork,
and the long, patterned ribbon and ivory clip secured
the package. This type of wrapping is still seen in China
today.

The central design is a pair of dragons flanking a flaming
pearl with a double-lined sunflower. This image symbolizes
the power of the emperor. A peony branch at each corner
signifies noble status. The complex brocade weaving, the use
of yellow, and the gold thread suggest the wrapping may
have been used in the imperial household during the Qing
dynasty.