Cloth of Gold: Displayed Falcons

mid-1200s

Central Asia

Medium

Silk and gold thread, lampas

Measurements

Overall: 57.5 x 18.4 cm (22 5/8 x 7 1/4 in.); Mounted: 67.9 x 29.8 cm (26 3/4 x 11 3/4 in.)

Credit Line

Edward L. Whittemore Fund 1996.297

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

This silk lampas weave textile with gold thread features double-headed falcons against a background of vine scrolls.

Description

Mongol ceremonial robes, known as zhisun, were made from textiles woven with gold and silk of one color. These were given by Mongol emperors to members of the court to be worn during festivals and on important occasions that usually included lavish banquets. Like the Winged Lions and Griffins (CMA 1989.50), the design of this silk is a uniquely Central Asian synthesis of eastern Iranian and Chinese elements. Motifs and technical details shared by the two silks, moreover, leave no doubt that they were produced in the same city.