Collection Online as of September 29, 2023

Headpiece

907–1125

Part of a set. See all set records

China, Liao dynasty

(907-1125)

Embroidery, silk

Overall: 21.8 x 34.9 cm (8 9/16 x 13 3/4 in.)

Gift of Lisbet Holmes 1995.109.2

Location

not on view

Description

These headpieces are embroidered with butterflies, birds, animals, flowers, leaves, and delicate vine scrolls. In general, the design is related to the theme of the lotus pond, best known from Liao tomb paintings. Paired ducks or geese swimming in water and looking in opposite directions seem to have become popular in the north of China before spreading further south and to Central Asia. On the other hand, recumbent animals looking back are a Central Asian image that migrated to northern China. Headpieces of this shape, intersected by two bands and secured by ties, have a long history in northern China. A gold replica was found in a tomb dating as early as 500–550.

Citations

Watt, James C. Y, Anne E Wardwell, Anne E Wardwell, Morris Rossabi, Cleveland Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.), Morris Rossabi, Cleveland Museum of Art, and Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.). When Silk Was Gold: Central Asian and Chinese Textiles. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art in cooperation with the Cleveland Museum of Art, 1997. Mentioned and reproduced: P. 180-181, no. 52

Zhao, Feng. "The Chronological Development of Needlelooping Embroidery." Orientations 31, no. 2 (February 2000). Hongkong: Pacific Communications, 1970. p. 44-53

Vollmer, John, Thierry Prat, and Richard Sheppard. Silks for Thrones and Altars: Chinese Costumes and Textiles: from the Liao Through the Qing Dynasty. Paris: Myrna Myers, 2003. P. 26-7

Exhibition history

When Silk Was Gold: Central Asian & Chinese Textiles from the Cleveland and Metropolitan Museums of Art. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (October 26, 1997-January 4, 1998); The Metropolitan Museum of Art (organizer) (March 2-May 17, 1998).