Coverlet, made up of four lenghts of dark blue silk velvet, embroderied with gilt paper thread and coloured floss silks. The pattern is outlined with white silk cord. Edged with pale blue silk and gilt paper braid. Lined with linen.
In the middle is a compartment formed of eight heart-shaped devices linked together, with a foliated edging; each enclosing a floral device. Within the compartment is a large fantastic bird amidst flowering stems. In each corner is a portion of another pointed comparment containing a two-handled vase, with flowering stems. The remaining space is filled with conventional birds, flowering plants growing from vases, and sprays of peony blossom. The border is filled with a repeating pattern of plan devices with scrolling floral stems, amidst which are pairs of birds.Coverlet, silk velvet embroderied with gilt paper thread and coloured floss silks, Chinese for the European market, 17th century