Valance

Item number Edz1251 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

Data
Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

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