Chasuble. Culture: China, for European, possibly Spanish, market. Dimensions: H. 48 x W. 32 in. (121.9 x 81.3 cm). Date: mid-18th century.This crimson satin chasuble was embroidered in China, but its slender A-line shape indicates it likely was used in Spain. Although used as a symbol of the Habsburgs, the central double-headed eagles here are purely decorative and more characteristically Chinese. Instead of grasping arrows in their talons, the birds dangle flowers from their beaks. Some of the large flowers such as those near the cornucopias (on the front) and flanking the roundel (on the back) are not typically Chinese. They are less refined, more boldly colored, and feature dots on their petals, possibly reflecting the Chinese embroiderer's attempt to mimic the vibrant, speckled flowers of popular Indian chintzes. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.