Forbidden Stitch Embroidery of a Blue and White Vase

A wonderful example of Chinese embroidery, this framed silk textile uses the infamous forbidden stitch to depict a fine blue-and-white porcelain vase. Also known as the "Peking knot" or "seed stitch," the forbidden knot is a silk embroidery method that results in minuscule, pearl-like knots, usually densely clustered to cover a fabric with color.

The vase pictured on this textile is a classic form known as 'tianqiuping' or 'celestial ball vase,' defined by its rounded, globular body and a narrow cylindrical neck. The intricately stitched blue-and-white decoration features a sinuous, celestial dragon and an all-over pattern of chrysanthemums and trailing vines.