Valance Item Number: Edz1248 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Plain grey cotton valance with blue embroidered designs. Three medallions separated by four vases of flowers, border on sides and lower edge. Left outer vase on triangular stand with 3 short legs has 2 butterflies with flowers; left inner vase is on square stand with bird among flowers and flowers around stand; right inner vase on wide stand without legs has insects on flowers. Left medallion; floral motifs, butterflies, birds and a cat. Right medallion; similar floral background with butterflies, cock and deer. Centre medallion; boat, fish, crab, house in upper left, weeping tree at top. Border has trees, flowers, animals, birds and insects. Narrow left hem, wide right hem, selvedges top and bottom.
History Of Use
Blue and white embroideries are part of a long domestic tradition. Designs vary geographically but are constant within generations of families except for minor individual variations. Often used to decorate the bed which traditionally played a focal part in household ritual particularly at the new year when all household spirits were honored. They are family made, by women, and family owned. These embroideries were of no local commercial value.
Iconographic Meaning
Fish is an emblem of wealth, harmony, married joy, and charm to prevent evil. The cat is credited with power to frighten evil spirits. The deer represents longevity, honour, success in study; flower vase represents maintenance of peace.
Cultural Context
utilitarian;household
Item History
- Made in Chengdu, Sichuan, China before 1945
- Collected between 1932 and 1945
- Owned by Kathleen F. Spooner before April 25, 1979
- Received from Kathleen F. Spooner (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) on April 25, 1979
What
- Name
- Valance
- Identification Number
- Edz1248
- Type of Item
- valance
- Material
- indigo dye and cotton fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, embroidered, stitched and dyed
- Overall
- height 41.7 cm, width 205.8 cm
Who
- Culture
- Chinese
- Previous Owner
- Kathleen F. Spooner
- Received from
- Kathleen F. Spooner (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Chengdu, Sichuan, China
When
- Creation Date
- before 1945
- Collection Date
- between 1932 and 1945
- Ownership Date
- before April 25, 1979
- Acquisition Date
- on April 25, 1979
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0567/0023