Red cotton and silk textile embroidered with a dragon, China, late 19th century On a red background, embroidered in the center with polychrome and gold metallic silk threads depicting a five-clawed dragon and a flaming pearl surrounded by bats, lingzhi-shaped clouds, and four precious objects (the wheel, the parasol, the canopy, and the conch shell). Above, four large peonies. The composition is framed by a decorative band of flowers and double gourds, as well as three characters in medallions: 南鴻興 - Nan Hong Xing, which can be translated as: “May luck and prosperity rise from the South.” 86 x 81 cm Missing metal threads and signs of wear.