{"product_id":"untitled-shoulder-guard-flap-metalwork-and-textile-unknown-artist","title":"Untitled (Shoulder Guard Flap, Metalwork and Textile) - Unknown Artist","description":"\u003cp\u003eA detailed study of a Qing Dynasty shoulder guard flap, featuring intricate gilt copper dragon engravings, embroidered silk, and fur trim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis object represents a component of ceremonial military armour from the Qing Dynasty. The construction combines functional metalwork with decorative textile elements, typical of high-status regalia intended for court or formal display. The primary structure consists of articulated gilt copper plates, which are engraved with dragon motifs. These plates provide both protection and a visual display of imperial authority, as the dragon is the traditional symbol of the Chinese emperor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe central section features a circular silk panel, embroidered with a five-clawed dragon against a blue ground. This embroidery is secured by a series of evenly spaced brass studs, which create a rhythmic, geometric pattern across the surface. The edges are trimmed with fur, adding a tactile quality to the composition. The metal plates are joined in a manner that allows for flexibility, suggesting the piece was designed to be worn over the shoulder, likely as part of a larger suit of armour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTechnically, the work demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship found in Qing metalworking. The engraving on the copper plates is precise, with each dragon rendered in a style that balances stylised form with fluid movement. The contrast between the metallic sheen of the gilt copper and the soft texture of the silk and fur creates a visual balance. Such pieces were not merely utilitarian; they functioned as markers of rank and status within the imperial hierarchy. The geometric pattern of the silk backing, often referred to as a hemp-leaf or star pattern, provides a structured contrast to the organic, flowing lines of the dragon motifs. This item offers a glimpse into the material culture of the period, where military equipment was transformed into an expression of aesthetic refinement and political power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/sv\/products\/untitled-ceremonial-scene-richard-foster-yarde\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eUntitled (Ceremonial Scene) - Richard Foster Yarde — Richard Foster Yarde\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/sv\/products\/untitled-geometric-grid-composition-kiri-nichol\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eUntitled (Geometric Grid Composition) - Kiri Nichol — Kiri Nichol\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown Artist","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58975663882575,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58975670501711,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58975670534479,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58975670567247,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58975670600015,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58975670632783,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58975670665551,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58975670698319,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58975670731087,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58975670763855,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58975670796623,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58975670829391,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Untitled-Shoulder-Guard-Flap-Metalwork-and-Textile-_Poster_CompositorV1_1790869285363.jpg?v=1790870289","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/sv\/products\/untitled-shoulder-guard-flap-metalwork-and-textile-unknown-artist","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}