94 cm (vertical) × 60.3 cm (horizontal)
Kesi is a type of textile woven using simple plain loom. Its most distinctive feature, compared to other textiles, is the use of discontinuous weft threads, allowing for the creation of intricate patterns. In this artifact, the positions of the warp and weft are reversed—the warp threads are placed horizontally, while the weft threads run vertically. During the weaving process, both the original draft and the fabric were rotated horizontally, and after completion, the artifact was mounted vertically. The use of weft materials is particularly unique: while the background, flowers, spring water, and bird feather parts are woven with silk threads, the rest is crafted with hemp-like fibers. This enhances the sense of texture and weight in the depiction of rocks, slopes, leaves, and tree trunks, with the rough texture of the begonia leaves rendered in a strikingly realistic manner. This approach highlights the unique craftsmanship of kesi and demonstrates the rich diversity of its production.
The composition of this artifact features a rushing stream flowing beside a slope, with begonias, amaranth, and wild chrysanthemums growing along the bank. On the right side, lingzhi mushrooms grow among other plants, while crape myrtles blossom in full bloom. There are also two birds found perching on a branch above. The lingzhi mushrooms, an “immortal herb,” symbolize longevity; the amaranth, also known as “youthful in old age” and cherished for its vibrant red leaves, symbolizes vitality in later years; the crape myrtles convey wishes for peace, happiness, and prosperity, and their striking red blossoms further emphasize auspiciousness; and the begonias, which are a symbol of “wealth filling the home,” complete the overall theme of longevity and prosperity. The entire work features soft, meticulously applied colors, with the crape myrtle floral core painted rather than woven, demonstrating exquisite craftsmanship and making this work a true masterpiece.