Valance Item Number: Edz1292 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Long, rectangular valance of beige fabric with indigo embroidery. The design consists of five medallions. The centre medallion has two birds on lotus and floral surroundings. On either side are vases with flowers and swords with ribbons. On the far right and left are two birds and blossoms. On the both upper corners is a butterfly; in lower corners is a floral spray. The bottom border alternates stylized flowers and pomegranates. The valance is hemmed on three sides with triple cicada pattern; selvage on upper edge.
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.
Cultural Context
utilitarian;household
Iconographic Meaning
Butterfly; joy, conjugal felicity. Cicada; immortality, resurrection, happiness, eternal youth. Lotus; faithfulness. Vase; perpetual harmony. Sword; wisdom, victory over evil. Pomegranate; offspring, posterity, favorable influences.
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
- Edz1292
- Type of Item
- valance
- Material
- cotton fibre and indigo dye
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, dyed, stitched and embroidered
- Overall
- height 35.6 cm, width 185.6 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
- good
- Accession Number
- 0567/0067