Embroidered Small Flag

Liao Dynasty, 10-12^th centuries

L24cm; W13cm

This partially torn textile is shaped like a Buddhist flag. Embroidered on a red and yellow tone twill ground using red, the floral motifs come in threads of yellow, blue, light blue and green and form a sort of medallion pattern. The style is representational. A subordinate triple leaf pattern is used for the space in between the medallions. The satin stitch is used.