Valance Item Number: Edz1251 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Plain cloth with black embroidery of seven vase motifs, geometric scroll border on three sides. Center vase has sword(?) with swastika on it behind vas and tree with different fruits on it. A bird perches at top. Vase on viewer's left has geometric design on it and holds branch of different fruits and flowers. Other vase sits on table and has long branches of flowers, with a tassel near bottom. Smaller vase at end has five fruits and flower elements. Vase to right of center has fish on it and tassels hanging from vase handles on either side. Flowers at very top. Vase to right shows same pattern as vase at left of center. Smaller vase at end has one blossom on it and holds branch of four fruit. Various motifs along geometric border of scrolls, instruments, flowers, insects, and books. Two selvedge and two raw edges.
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
Butterfly symbolizes joy and marital fidelity. The uppermost symbol in the third motif represents Buddha's hand. The pomegranate stands for prosperity and fertility. The fish with stand of sea grass represents passage through dragon gates. The swastikas are cosmological symbols of good omen. The cock is a zodiac animal which stands for warmth and for life. The vase is a Buddhist symbol of harmony. The inner border includes symbols of scholarship and learning. Thunder is the symbol for good harvest.
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
- Edz1251
- Type of Item
- valance
- Material
- cotton fibre and indigo dye
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, embroidered, dyed and stitched
- Overall
- height 40.2 cm, width 193.2 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
- 0567/0026