A silk embroidered roundel in a gilded wood frame. The central motif of an imperial four-clawed dragon chasing the flaming pearl - symbols of imperial power and wisdom respectively - are finely stitched in black and white silk and gold-wrapped thread against a rich yellow silk background. Swirling red flames and clouds shaped like branches of lingzhi fungus (a symbol of immortality) amplify the circular design’s sense of energy and movement. Embroideries of this type were frequently used to adorn official robes and altar hangings throughout the late imperial period.
