Hanging Item Number: Edz1282 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Light blue hanging consisting of two lengths joined vertically, dark blue embroidered motifs; two selvages, folded raw edge, one edge hemmed with zig-zag blue embroidery. Motifs are arranged in alternating rows of three and four rows. First row: two phoenixes, one flower. Second row: two floral motifs, pomegranate with swastika , butterfly. Third row: pomegranate, peach with swastika, flower. Fourth row: three flower motifs, pomegranate. Fifth row: two flowers, butterfly. Sixth row: fruit, citron, flower, lotus.
History Of Use
Blue and white embroideries are part of an ancient 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.
Cultural Context
utilitarian;household
Iconographic Meaning
Swastika, supreme good luck. Pomegranate; offspring, prosperity, favorable influence. Peach; marriage, spring, immortality. Phoenix; the empress, beauty, goodness, prosperity, peace, abundant harvests.
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
- Hanging
- Identification Number
- Edz1282
- Type of Item
- hanging
- Material
- cotton fibre and indigo dye
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, embroidered, dyed and stitched
- Overall
- height 163.0 cm, width 35.5 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
- 0567/0057