Reading Comp. No. 1, quest.2

2) For this exercise I chose to analyze the second of the three contemporary textiles. For this particular pattern, the influences come from the Chinese tradition. This can be clearly seen in the realistic depiction of the Chrysanthemum blossoms. These flowers along with fruit (found in the pattern of the embroidered ribbons in the background), flowers (lotus, and chrysanthemum), buildings, and religious images are all symbolic motifs found in Chinese rugs.

Speaking more on the ribbons in the background, the repetition of the fruit pattern pattern within them is representative of a key concept found in Chinese interiors. These repeating patterns are found everywhere including in Chinese textiles such as embroideries; which these ribbons represent most clearly. The particular way these pieces of ribbon twist from a central point reminds me of the religious image associated with the forces of Yin and Yang. It is the balance of these forces of darkness and light, feminine and masculine that establishes harmony in the world of the Chinese. This is why they are often depicted intertwining, they are shown in perfect balance.

Finally, the color choices represented in this fabric are also a symbolic part of Chinese culture: red (happiness), green (prosperity), and blue (heaven). So one might say that this abstract interpretation of traditional Chinese textiles is absolutely divine.