Large silk and cotton banner decorated with dragons among flowers, China, late 19th century Rectangular in shape, the black background is embroidered in polychrome and metallic silk threads with flowering branches and two large five-clawed dragons facing each other around a flaming pearl, framed by two women pouring flowers from their handled baskets. At the bottom, the rocks of the Earth emerge above a lishui band and precious Buddhist objects. The banner is bordered by a frieze of shou signs and flowers on the short sides. It is lined on the reverse with an assembly of three fragmentary panels of pink silk embroidered with polychrome threads of pine trees and plants. 256 x 131 cm Stain, missing parts, discolorations and wear.