Hanging

Window hanging which may have hung in a monastery niche. The hanging is divided into two registers with the lower register being larger than the narrow, rectangular upper register. The lower register includes figures and landscape elements depicted against a red-orange background. Perhaps this register depicts a narrative scene from Xī Yóu Jì (Journey to the West). Painted details can be seen on the human faces, rocks, and tree leaves. Metallic threads are also used on details. The top register contains a large central blue peony flanked by two confronted phoenixes set against a background of metallic gold-wrapped thread. Hole-ridden rocks are depicted along the bottom of the register. The register is bookended by two smaller peonies and set amongst a proliferation of vines and leaves. Silk thread colors include: light and dark blue, light and dark green, beige, brown, black.The border around the kesi (on central field) is in five-end satin. C488 and C489 are a pair.