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Iconographic Meaning

Butterfly; joy, conjugal felicity. Lotus flower, creative power. Lotus pod; offspring, fruitfulness. Crane, longevity, bird of the immortals. Dish of flowers; beauty, harmony. Clouds; beneficial rain, fertility of the land.

Description

Blue-black valance with white design. Bias band in lighter shade with one pleat on sides and lower edges. Five medallions with floral motifs, separated by six butterflies and six flower sprays. Centre medallion: lotus flower, worm, cranes. Left outer medallion: building beside lake and mountain, clouds overhead, dish of flowers and spray of lotus. Right outer medallion: lotus spray, small building, stylized landform. Left inner medallion: building, flower spray, crane, insect. Right inner medallion: peach blossom, butterfly, dish of flowers, stylized clouds, landforms. Each butterfly differs, as does each floral spray separating medallions. At left of centre medallion, dish on stand, worms on leaves . At right of centre, vase with ribbons, large insect. Thread remnants in upper selvage.

Cultural Context

utilitarian;household

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.