
Birthday hanging consisting of rectangular crimson satin panel with attached upper valance of apple green satin. Attached black satin border surrounds the upper valance, with embroidered white silk border round the main panel. Pink and red cotton lining and blue cotton hanging band. Embroidered decoration: a) valance: the hundred birds (cranes, pheasants, peahens, grouse and swallows) amidst butterflies, seasonal flowers and auspicious plants. Among these bird and flower motifs, cranes, pine and lingzhi fungus are symbols of longevity. b) main register: the Eight Daoist Immortals (baxian), each holding his or her attribute. From right to left: 1. Cao Guojiu (castanets); 2. Zhong Liquan (fan); 3. Li Tiequai (gourd); 4. Han Xiangzi (flute); 5. Zhang Guolao (bamboo tube and two rods); 6. He Xiangu (lotus); 7. Lan Caihe (usually flower basket, but on this hanging the basket contains peaches, symbol of longevity); 8. Lu Dongbin (sword). c) border: figures in a garden-like setting with bridges, pavilion, boats, trees on hem; floral sprays and medallions on sides. All designs embroidered with multi-coloured silk thread.