This rectangular embroidered silk panel has a light creamy background. It is stitched together using the satin stitch and voided satin stitch. Satin stitches are series of flat stitches used to completely cover a section of the background fabric. A row of beadwork tassels line one of the widths of the panels. There are numerous decorative designs on this piece. These include rose like peonies, deer, ‘Qilin’ (hooved like Chinese mythical creature), butterflies and phoenixes. Peonies symbolised wealth and prosperity while pairs of butterflies symbolised love in marriage. Phoenixes signified high virtue in character. Deer were symbols of longevity and ‘Qilin’ were good omens that brought prosperity. Such works of embroidery and beadwork had several functions, ranging from tablecloths to drapes for windows and doors among others. These larger pieces were possibly produced by professional embroiderers in China for Straits Chinese clients in Southeast Asia. The auspicious symbols on this panel suggest it was possibly used in wedding ceremonies.
