Mogao Cave 17: Valance

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This valance was recovered from Mogao Cave 17 in Dunhuang. It was likely suspended from the edge of a table or used as the valance of a canopy. Valences similar to this are often seen hanging down from a Buddhist altar.
The rectangular valance is composed of silk strips of various colors sewn horizontally in three sections. The top section consists of a broad band of silk in several colors, sewn together with loops for hanging attached. Just below, inverted triangular pieces drape down into the bottom section which is comprised of 42 colorful banners made of a variety of raw silk, thin silk, twill weave silk, fine silk, and brocade. Each banner is different, and many extend down beyond the background fabric which is created from blocks of various earth-tone colored silk.