LARGE HANGING OR STAGE DECORATION, China, 19th ct. 167 x 202 xm Silk, embroidered with silk in shades of blue and gold thread. A large five-clawed dragon in dense clouds, looped around a Shou sign, surrounded by five bats. Between the clouds there are peony medallions and fruits. The lower end is formed by diagonal lines of deep water with waves. Lingzhi mushrooms and scrolls float in the water, and jagged rocks rise up Old and important European private collection, assembled prior to 1960 The once mighty hanging or curtain was probably originally used in a theater of the Chinese opera. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Chinese opera also became popular with the imperial court. At a later date it was cut into the triangular shape and framed with a western woven edging - Minor damages due to age