SILK COMMEMORATIVE HANGINGS Textile panels, such as the celebratory hangings included in this section, in China were hung in a prominent position. They transformed both domestic and sacred spaces on specific occasions, communicating meanings in many visual forms and thus embodying powerful traditional values held by the Chinese society. The finest commemorative hangings were often commissioned by professional workshops and mainly consisted of figurative images recurring in 18th and 19th century decorative arts. Red ground celebratory textiles, such as those presented here, contrasted with the white ground or mourning textiles. The hangings were made in different shapes and sizes and meant to be displayed to commemorate festive occasions such as birthdays and weddings. Some of the panels bore inscriptions relating to the personal qualities of the people involved in a particular anniversary. The theme of the twenty-four filial paragons, a canon of stories which appeared to be codified during the period of the Han dynasty, for example, often seemed adequate to pay homage to an elderly parent or relative. Other popular subjects were the Shou character for immortality and the Eight Immortals, semi-legendary figures originally associated with Daoism and beliefs in immortality. Standard features were employed to portray the characters of these popular stories so they could be instantly recognisable by the viewers. Other popular stories include the Birthday Celebration of General Guo Ziyi of the Tang dynasty, at his estate in Fenyang. Drawn from the legend A Tableful of Honors, Guo Ziyi had many sons and grandsons and the numerous figures dressed in official attire around the general indicated that the family was successful in attaining a high office. By extension therefore, employing the image of general Guo and his family on a panel as a congratulatory gift, was thought to bring good fortune to its recipient. Other popular themes included, as we shall see in this section, the goddess Magu, originating from folk love songs and festivals. Symbolic protector of females, symbol of long life and fertility, Magu prepared a longevity, alcoholic beverage to present as a gift at the birthday banquet of the Queen Mother of the Western Paradise. Finally, the Triad formed by the Star Gods of Happiness, Prosperity and Longevity, Fu Lu Shou , thought of having originated during the Ming dynasty, became a widespread iconography in folk temples and ancestral shrines. Exhibiting images that were thought of acting just like their real counterpart and thus provoking benign effects on behalf of the owner, commemorative hangings are a precious testament to the ideological values of Imperial China. Wilson, Chinese textiles , 2005, p. 56-75; Eberhard, The local cultures of South and East China , 1968, p. 123-126 ; Seow, Fu Lu Shou: Gods of Blessings, Prosperity and Longevity, 1999; Rawson, The power of images : the model universe of the First Emperor and its legacy , 2002, p.123-154. A large red silk ground commemorative hanging, 19th century , embroidered with Magu serving the Longevity Wine to the Queen mother of the West, surrounded by an immortal setting delicately embroidered with floral sprays, archaistic emblems, peaches, and legendary figures 清 åä¹ä¸–纪 麻姑献寿刺绣 Provenance: Private Italian Collection, Rome.Approx Measurements: 470cm high and 265cm wide