Qing dynasty embroidery
 

Hello-

I am new to this forum, but have participated in other edged weapons discussions. This seems like a knowledgeable group, so I thought you might be able to help with something.

This is an embroidery that my grandmother told me was a Qing dynasty piece worn by a Manchu courtier. What do you think it is?

Now for the weapons part: The man with the spear looks like a Chinese general. Can anybody tell me who he is? Is this from a standard story? I notice the spear has a round counterweight at the end. Has anybody seen a similar Chinese counterweight? I have seen one Tibetan pointed counterweight, but most spears depicted don't seem to have anything on the but end.
Josh

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...duation322.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...duation317.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...duation318.jpg

Ah, spears and love in the garden... :)
Sorry Josh, i can't tell you much, but i just wanted to welcome you to the forum. I know from SFI that you have at least a passing interest in keris as well so i hope to see you over on that side of the forum soon. :)

Thanks, I plan to enter the discussion, I just have less to say on keris than Chinese things.

You are right, I think, about love in the garden. It is hard to see from the picture, but the woman is handing two interlocked rings to the man. Is this something relating to a wedding?
Josh

Unfortunately I can't help you, but have you tried to ask a museum specialised in Chinese art?

Jens

This was my first attempt to get info.
Josh

OK, I found the information. This is what a Chinese friend told me:

"About the embroidery, the design on it shows a scene in opera, the scene is probably a well-known story in Three Kingdoms period, named "Feng Yi Ting". It's about a great general Lu Bu and a beauty Diao Chan. Diao Chan is one of the four most beautiful women in China's history. The usage of the embroidery is not very certain. Maybe hanging in front of the chest."

You may want to message Scott or Phillip they should be some help

I am glad you got an explanation, although the subject was a little different than what we normally discuss:).
Jens