Valance Item Number: Edz1271 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Plain white with blue embroidered panel of seven medallions separated by small floral motifs and butterflies. Centre medallion: floral sprays and tendrils, two Buddha hands with swastikas, pomegranates, various fruit and flowers. Outer medallions on each side are identical; four ch'i-lin with five swastikas on each body; arranged around central large floral motif; ch'i-lins separated by floral designs. Next inner medallions on each side also identical with floral motifs and phoenix. Medallions to left and right of center medallion are similar in form, with vases of large stylized fruit, surrounded by small flowers, leaves and in the medallion on PL, a phoenix. Geometric border on sides and bottom, inner border on bottom has repeating design of trees, pagodas, boats, phoenixes. Triangular floral design in bottom corners. Top and bottom selvage, sides 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.
Iconographic Meaning
Buddha's hand; wealth, divine protection. Swastika, supreme good luck. Pomegranate; prosperity, hope for a large family. Ch'i-lin; longevity, felicity, illustrious offspring. Phoenix; peace, prosperity. Butterfly; joy, conjugal fidelity.
Cultural Context
utilitarian;household
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
- Edz1271
- Type of Item
- valance
- Material
- cotton fibre and indigo dye
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, embroidered, dyed and stitched
- Overall
- height 34.5 cm, width 219.0 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
- 0567/0046