Chinese Double-Sided Ceremonial Banner / Flag with Russian Inscriptions

Dark cherry velvet, gold fringe, and a message in Cyrillic.

This double-sided ceremonial banner was made in China in the 20th century, in red velvet. Banners of this type were commonly awarded or carried in official and public ceremonies. The field is a deep crimson, with a gold-embroidered emblem at the center, and lines of Cyrillic lettering above and below in gold thread. A gold fringe runs around the edge. The pile has softened with age and the lettering catches the light unevenly, as raised embroidery does.

About fifty-two by sixty-six inches. A great deal of wall, and it knows it.