A LARGE PRESENTATION EMBROIDERED SILK WALL HANGING FOR A 91ST BIRTHDAY APOCRYPHALLY DATED TO THE 60TH YEAR OF THE REIGN OF EMPEROR KANGXI (1721) CHINA, POSSIBLY 19TH CENTURY A single rectangular shaped gauze silk panel richly embroidered with a lengthy inscription, giving a clear rendition of Confucian values, dated to a ‘康熙六十年’, i.e. the 60th year of Kangxi Emperor reign and bearing seals, one potentially reading ‘楊笆X除’, likely the name of the maker or the author of the calligraphy, a so-called ‘Chú’. The central panel, bearing the principal calligraphy, is circumscribed by another rectangle panel, embroidered with one hundred stylized variations of the shou character standing for a long life, then by a further rectangle with numerous characters, including officials and daoist immortals, and finally with another rectangle adorned with numerous auspicious daoist objects, emblems and beasts. 271 x 407 cm Notes: 1. When made for court personages, government officials, or other members of the aristocracy, commemorative hangings proclaiming meritorious service, major birthdays, or anniversaries could be spectacular objects. The dedicatory inscriptions are typically dated, while the figural imagery relating to family history is Confucian in nature. Taoist emblems connoting long life are also a standard part of the decoration. This hanging celebrates the 91st birthday of an important person. Major birthday celebrations in China were held at 60, 70, and 80 years of age. Prominent writers and calligraphers were typically recruited by the family to compose the actual verse. In that case, the author’s name may be deciphered as ‘Chú’ (‘除’). 2. Compare with a close birthday embroidery, though dated to 1887, preserved in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art under, as part of The John R. Van Derlip Fund, under accession number 42.8.308. 大型且重要的91岁生日丝绸壁挂，康熙年间1721年仿款 中国 NOTE: CONDITION REPORTS AND MEASUREMENTS It is up to the bidder to satisfy themselves prior to buying as to the condition of a lot. In relation to Condition Reports, whilst we make certain observations on the lot, which are intended to be as helpful as possible, references in the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. The condition report is an expression of opinion only and must not be treated as a statement of fact. Measurements and weight are approximate and the potential bidder may re-ask it to be checked when asking for a condition report.