Cover Item Number: Edz1227 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Large white cover with dark blue cross-stitch embroidery. The cover is made from three long pieces sewn together. There are medium and large roundels, triangular corner pieces and large designs covering the overall surface. The motifs represented include butterfly, fruit, vase, floral, bird, dragon and swastika. The ends of the cover are hemmed, the sides are selvage. The back is unlined.

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

Dragon boat indicates triumphal procession of an important official. The butterfly represents joy, brightness and true love and the pomegranate represents offspring, prosperity and favourable influences.

Item History

What

Name
Cover
Identification Number
Edz1227
Type of Item
cover
Material
indigo dye and cotton fibre
Manufacturing Technique
woven, dyed, embroidered and stitched
Overall
height 217.0 cm, width 106.0 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
0567/0002