A FINE EMBROIDERED IMPERIAL YELLOW SATIN 'KANG' COVER QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH / EARLY 19TH CENTURY

finely embroidered in fine gold and polychrome threads, the centre with a barbed panel enclosing a branch of prunus and lotus, together with two red buns opening to reveal auspicious items, within a border of ruyi interlinked with bats, all surrounded by lotus scroll and reserve on a bright yellow satin ground, the reverse lined up with silk and figured with lingzhi scrolls

Collection of Sir Thomas Fermor-Hesketh, 7th Bt. (1849-1924).
Sotheby's, Easton Neston, 19th May 2005, lot 1121.

There is some light expected fading and a few loose threads, but overall the condition is very good and the colours very vivid. The silk lining on the reverse is a little more toned with a little soiling to the fabric.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

An imperial yellow kang cover decorated with lotus scroll, is illustrated in John E. Vollmer, Silks for Thrones and Altars, Paris, 2004, pl. 32; and one was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29th May 2007, lot 1397. Compare also a bed cover, embroidered with birds and flowers, from the G.H.G Norman collection and now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, illustrated in Verity Wilson, Chinese Textiles, London, 2005, pl. 29.

This cover is abundant in auspicious symbolism and may have been presented on the occasion of a wedding. The lotus (he), symbolic of purity as it emerges clean from muddy water, depicted together with a box (he) and lingzhi forms the pun hehe ruyi  ('May you have a harmonious marriage and your wishes come true').