Panel embroidered with lotus flowers

A panel of rectangular format, depicting two large lotus flowers in silk embroidery. One lotus is seen flowering from the bud, whilst the other depicts the flower surrounded by its pointy leaves. Both flowers grow on elaborately twisting stems. The vibrant colours are executed on a ground of dark blue silk that has a cloud pattern.

Chinese embroidery uses different stitch styles and the untwisted “flat” silk threads used here succeed in creating a rich sheen.