Valance Item Number: Edz1250 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Plain cloth with bottom border of tassels, and an inner border on three sides of fish, flowers and leaves. Main design consists of repeat patterns of one willow, one fruit, and one pine tree. The fruit tree looks like pomegranates. Both ends hemmed.
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
The pomegranate stands for favourable influences, prosperity, and hope of a large family. The pine tree symbolizes longevity.
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
- Edz1250
- Type of Item
- valance
- Material
- cotton fibre and indigo dye
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, embroidered, dyed and stitched
- Overall
- height 30.5 cm, width 200.2 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
- 0567/0025