Page 49 - Chiense TExtiles, MET MUSEUM Pub 1934

CHINESE TEXTILES
In illustrating embroidery stitches from our collection
we have taken a large number of our examples from the
mandarin squares (civil and military insignia). This is
partly because every embroidery stitch known to tl1e
Chinese is to be found on these squares, and pard y be-
cause the embroidery is usually more clear-cut and the
design more unified than on larger pieces. In order to
get the best example of each stitch, we had unfortunate-
ly to illustrate duplicates of the insignia in some cases. 9
Several Ming hangings from the Havemeyer Col-
lection combine the couching and satin stitches. With
their designs of bold floral patterns interspersed with
the most amazing birds and animals, they have, despite
their badly worn condition, a grandeur and richness of
color which are characteristic of the Ming period. No
illustrations of these hangings were included since a
small reproduction could not do them credit.
Another Ming piece which shows the same two stitches -
is the mandarin square represented in figure 8. Here a
solid background of couched gold thread makes a mag-
nificent setting for the · egret and the cloud, wave, and
mountain motives embroidered in satin stitch. We have
10
but one other example of this early type of square in
9
The symbolism of these insignia and of the designs on the
robes is discussed in the section on court robes.
10
The collection on loan at the Gallery of Fine Arts, Yale Uni-
versity, mentioned on page 63, has the finest Ming squares we
have ever seen, as well a many other early and unusual types
not represented in our collection.

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