Bed cover, silk satin weave, Qing dynasty, China, circa 1900.
Birds, flowers, insects and butterflies in multi-colored silk embroidery are scattered over this white silk bed cover. Also represented are Taoist and Buddhist symbols and the Eight Ordinary (secular) Things: the pearl, a wish-granting jewel; a coin for wealth; a open lozenge, symbol of victory; a pair of books, a painting and musical stone, the accomplishments of the scholar; rhinoceros horns and artemisia leaf, symbols of health and good omen.
