An imperial Ming dynasty embroidered five-clawed 'dragon' roundel, late Ming dynasty, 16th-17th century
Lot 3413. An imperial Ming dynasty embroidered five-clawed 'dragon' roundel, late Ming dynasty, 16th-17th century; 11 in. (28 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 50,000 - HKD 70,000. Price realised HKD 62,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2014.
The roundel is intricately embroidered and couched to depict a five-clawed dragon shimmering in gold, chasing the flaming pearl amidst colourful stylised clouds, above rocks and crashing waves. The ground is completely embroidered in the classic Ming 'lozenge' pattern on a gauze silk.
Provenance: A private Swedish collection sold by Linda Wrigglesworth Ltd during the early 1990s.
Note: The side-facing roundel indicates that this was worn on the shoulder of a robe.
Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 26 November 2014
