The Flying Dragon Hand embroidered in silk, the intricate traditional artwork is of the very highest quality. Over two months to complete, the artist has created a piece of astounding complexity and beauty using techniques not changed in 1000 years. Handed down from generation to generation, this technique is unique to rural China, particularly the Central province of He Bei Province. The stitching is almost imperceptible to the naked eye and it is only on close inspection that the thousands and thousands of tiny hand-stitched silk threads may be seen. These pieces are generally rare to find, due to the scarcity of these skills and the time and diligence required to produce each intricate work of art. The embroidery depicts a flying dragon, a design which first originated as the motif found on the Chinese Emperor's robes. The dragon represents the Emperor, with a divine mandate to rule as the Son of Heaven. The Dragon is central to Chinese festivals and celebrations, and its image constantly recurs over thousands of years of Chinese history. The circle is representative of the Dragon's ability to fly throughout the universe, happiness, long life and health. The central pearl represents a magical light, the centre of the Universe. The Emperor's wife would wear a pearl in the centre of her crown, symbolising wealth and prosperity.