This is an antique Chinese embroidered silk roundel panel with a dragon, clouds and bats. The frame it is in dates circa 1950s, but the embroidery is much older.

I can see that the embroidery is older than the frame, but I’m really not sure exactly how old it is. I believe though that it dates sometime from the late 19th century to the very early 20th century. You can just look at it though and sense it has great age. Please use your judgment.

The frame is a square measuring 16 5/8 inches in each direction (42.2 cm). The visual part of the embroidery measures 11 7/8 inches across (30.1 cm).

The person who had this framed made it so that it hangs like a diamond. I’m not sure if this is correct though! I photographed it this way as I figured that they knew what they were doing. You could always change the wire in the back.

The embroidered areas look like they’re in very good condition, with just a hanging thread here or there. The silk background though has quite a bit of discoloration, including stains. I’m wondering if this was not caused by foxing from the cardboard behind it. You can also see tiny holes going around it at the top and the bottom, as if some type of thread was taken out at some point. I’m not exactly sure.

The mat also has what I believe is foxing or light brown staining.

The frame has scattered nicks and dings and general wear to the surface.

Overall, it’s a very attractive and colorful embroidery.

It weighs 3 pounds 5 1/2 ounces (1.516 kg).