Forbidden Stitch Embroidery of a Famille Rose Vase

A wonderful example of Chinese embroidery, this framed silk textile uses the infamous forbidden stitch to depict a fine famille rose 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 decoration imitates famille rose enamelware with an all-over pattern of chrysanthemums and trailing vines against an oxblood-red field. At the center is a double fish motif, one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of the Buddha representing freedom without restraint.