Brocade with Flowers and Wàns

The wàn, which became infamous in the 20th century for it use by the Nazi regime in Germany, is an ancient symbol that represents abundance, prosperity, and a long life, and the peony symbolizes beauty. This brocade was produced in China for the European market. The entire black ground is decorated with gold wàn in a diamond shape. Yellow and purple peonies alternate in horizontal rows, with both scrolls and books between them. There are about 5,000 wàns on this piece, but it is hard to tell since one edge is missing.