An early export embroidery from a high-grade workshop of the Canton area of China. This particular style of embroidery was apparently created during the second half of the 18th c up to the early 20th c: the earlier examples - like this one - tend to be finer and more packed with detail. I have never viewed embroidery work as fine as on this example: consider the amount of deatil evident on such a small size - 8" x 13". Quite amazing. Good condition, with damaged edges and some expected color-fading; required some delicate conservation, as the background silk is very fragile, with deteriation near the edges which chip off easily. . 8" x 13"