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Iconographic Meaning

Vase, maintenance of peace. Plum blossom; winter, longevity. Peach; marriage, immortality, spring. Persimmon, joy. Books with tassel, learning. Prunes, winter. Lotus, children. Lute and flute; marital bliss, harmony. Cherry, feminine beauty. Citron, wealth. Butterfly; joy. Bamboo tubes, longevity. Beetle, courage. Pearl, pure intention. Swastika, supreme good luck.

Cultural Context

utilitarian;household

Description

Rectangular, brocade valance of cream fabric and dark blue design. There are five images of containers filled with fruit, flowers and leaves on a stand plus. The central group are flanked by bamboo tubes, animals, butterfly; others separated by butterflies and beetles. Central pot with overall plum blossom design holding peach, magnolia blossoms and leaves; sits on stand with curved legs. Books (?) with tassel are behind inner left vase on a stand, which holds persimmons, prune blossoms and leaves. Lute and flute behind outer left vase, holds peaches, lotus flowers and leaves. Sacred symbols (short sword with ribbons?) behind inner vase on right, has overall pattern; stand holds prune blossoms. On outer right, decorated archaic three-legged vessel on stand holds citron with swastika, cherry blossoms and leaves. Long sides, selvage; short sides raw.

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.