This embroidered panel is created using the Pekinese stitch or Peking knots and metallic thread couching. Gold thread couching is used here to highlight and outline the motifs on this piece. Couching is a technique in which the materials are laid on the surface of a ground fabric and kept in place with stitches of the same or different thread. This panel is decorated with motifs of peony blossoms, phoenixes, butterflies, stags and cranes. These are auspicious symbols in Chinese culture. Stags and cranes symbolise longevity while pairs of butterflies represent love and happiness in marriage. Phoenixes represent the wedding couple and virtue and grace, while peony blossoms depict wealth and prosperity. The auspicious symbols on this panel suggest it was used in wedding ceremonies. This piece was possibly used as a door hanging at the entrance of the bridal chamber or as a panel hung from the top of the wedding bed.
