Bedcover with Design of Golden Pheasants, Ming dynasty (1368–1644), early 17th century. Silk in tapestry weave (kesi), 274.3 x 299.7 cm. William K. Bixby Trust for Asian Art, 74:1956 © Saint Louis Art Museum

The center of this large bedcover is dominated by a large roundel formed by two golden pheasants, which symbolize literary refinement. The surrounding field has peacocks, silver pheasants, flower heads, and scrolling tendrils. The wide borders are decorated with real and mythical auspicious animals. This is an excellent example of luxury Chinese textiles exported to Europe. Most likely ordered by Spanish traders and destined for Spain or Portugal, the textile was shipped from a southern Chinese port to the Philippines, across the Pacific Ocean to Acapulco, Mexico then overland to Veracruz where it was transferred to galleons traveling across the Atlantic to Cadiz, Spain.