Panel depicting a maiden on a floating lotus leaf.

Chinese, 17th century

34.3cm(w) x 66.0cm(l)

Embroidered screen panel depicting a maiden on a floating lotus leaf. Chinese, 17th century. This screen panel depicts a young woman wearing a robe that simulates the appearance and texture of actual brocade through the skilful application of decorative stitches (see Diagram). The girl’s coiffure was rendered with delicate human hair threads, an innovation of Song palace embroiderers in their quest for utmost realism. The white lotus flower blossoming on the girl’s right is embellished with tiny seed pearls.