A wonderfully unusual large printed textile, probably dating from the 1950s–60s, and most likely intended as a lightweight bedcover or decorative furnishing cloth.

Size: 230cm x 200cm (90” x 78”)

The design draws strongly on Chinese decorative traditions, with birds, bamboo and foliage surrounded by geometric borders and circular motifs which appear to incorporate stylised shou characters — symbols of longevity. The whole textile has been designed as a single composition, centred around a small medallion.

Look closely and the design is perfectly symmetrical horizontally and vertically, probably created by mirroring a quarter of the original pattern. Even small printing irregularities are reflected, while some of the Chinese characters consequently appear reversed.

The lightweight cloth has a slightly crêped texture and fluid handle. It’s possibly ramie (historically known as “grass linen” or “China grass”) although the fibre hasn’t been lab tested. The colour-fast print penetrates the fabric remarkably well, making the textile decorative from either side, with beautifully fine machine-finished hems.

Stylistically and technically, we believe it is probably Chinese and mid-20th century, although without a surviving label its precise manufacturer and origin remain unknown.

A fascinating meeting of traditional Chinese symbolism and bold mid-century textile design — and one we’d be very tempted to hang as an enormous piece of textile art.