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Iconographic Meaning

The phoenix represents the female, goodness and prosperity; butterlies represent joy and conjugal felicity. Pears, purity and justice; pomegranates, offspring and prosperity; the lotus stands for creative power and female genius. The peach blossom is a charm against evil. The swastika symbolizes the mind, happiness and infinity. The vase is a Buddhist symbol of perpetual harmony and triumph over birth and death, a ceremonial relic jar. The citron represents Buddha's hand and wealth. The 3 legged toad with ribbon and coins is a Taoist symbol of money-making, health, and the unattainable.

Cultural Context

utilitarian;household

Description

Plain grey cloth embroidered with five blue medallions and four vases between them. Central medallion has a square on square in centre with a swastika, pomegranates, butterflies and stylized flowers, surrounded by a lotus design. Right centre medallion; square on square , centre of stylized flowers and pears, surrounded by phoenix and lotus design. Left of centre medallion has square on square in centre with a swastika and stylized flowers, surrounded by citron, lotus and flowers. Outer medallions are identical and each has an octagonal design in centre with four swastikas, surrounded by a phoenix, citron, butterflies and stylized flowers. Each side of centre medallion is a motif of a table with urn of stylized fruit and flowers, rat, and butterfly on table and ribbon with coins and a three legged toad hanging over the front of the table. Key pattern on urn. Two outer motifs of vase with peach blossoms. Geometric design on border along lower side of alternating bird and fish, with repeated tassels.

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.