Cover Item Number: Edz1230 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Large white cover with embroidery. The cover is made from three cotton strips sewn together horizontally. The upper strip has five embroidered segments: two butterfly motifs, two squares with tree and floral motifs, one centre roundel with peach blossom and phoenix motifs. The centre strip has three roundels with phoenix, floral and fruit motifs separated by small vase, coin and floral motifs. The lower strip has four roundels with lotus, vase, phoenix, lion, fish, floral and fruit motifs, separated by small basket motifs. The ends are hemmed, the top edge is selvedge, the bottom edge has a facing strip. 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.

Iconographic Meaning

Taoist and Buddhist symbols of long life, fertility, happiness and good luck.

Cultural Context

utilitarian;household

Item History

What

Name
Cover
Identification Number
Edz1230
Type of Item
cover
Material
cotton fibre and indigo dye
Manufacturing Technique
stitched, woven, embroidered and dyed
Overall
height 203.0 cm, width 110.0 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
0567/0005