An exceptional and rare antique Chinese silk brocade textile, from late 17th century / Early 18th century Emperor Kangxi Period of Qing Dynasty. It was part of a Buddhist dance robe patterned with skulls, flames, snakes and lotus flowers surrounded by ornament in spectacular colours against the beautiful indigo ground. The fine quality of the weaving suggests that it was made for the courts. Textiles as such would later, under Kangxi’s son emperor Yongzheng would be donated to Buddhist monasteries which would repurpose them as alter hangings. Yongzheng in particular was a patron of Buddhism and under his reign many textiles of China found its way to Tibet. a great piece worthy of any top collection and offered at a fair price. 59cm x 57cm (23” x 22.5”).