Chinese Blue Kesi Dragon Tapestry Lumbar Cushion

This Qing Dynasty blue kesi fabric is a remarkable example of traditional Chinese textile artistry. Kesi, renowned as a “carving silk” technique, involves the use of a unique “warp - through, weft - broken” method. The blue background, rich and deep, serves as a canvas for the vivid dragon - cloud patterns. The dragons, symbols of imperial power in Chinese culture, are depicted with bared teeth, flowing whiskers, and sinuous bodies, exuding a sense of might. The cloud patterns, signifying good fortune, feature soft, curling lines that perfectly complement the dynamic dragons. Each element is meticulously crafted with coloured wefts, creating a three - dimensional effect visible on both sides of the fabric. Intended as material for a mandarin jacket, this fabric not only reflects the sumptuousness of Qing court fashion but also serves as a crucial resource for studying the complex social hierarchies, sartorial norms, and advanced textile technologies of the era.