Valance Item Number: Edz1278 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Long, rectangular, brocade valance of light blue fabric and indigo detailing. The design consists of five different floral motifs separated by six pairs of smaller motifs. The centre design has a tree trunk bearing branches with flowers, leaves and buds, as well as a fence section and plants. The left inner motif: broad base with chrysanthemum, leaves, buds. Left outer motif: tree with fruit, leaves, bird, flower at base. Right inner motif: two flowers on curved stem from broad base, leaves, buds. Right outer motif: pear blossoms, leaves, buds, insect, flower at base. Dividing motifs consist of flowers, butterflies; blossoms, jewels; deer with cassia spray and lozenge. Border series of plant and insect designs with no regular repetition. Hemmed on sides edges and bottom.
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.
Iconographic Meaning
Fungus, longevity. Chrysanthemum; laughter, ease, autumn. Pear; purity, justice. Butterfly; joy, marital felicity, summer. Jewel, pure intention, genius. Deer, longevity. Cassia, immortality. Lozenge, victory.
Cultural Context
utilitarian;household
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
- Edz1278
- Type of Item
- valance
- Material
- cotton fibre and indigo dye
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, embroidered, dyed and stitched
- Overall
- height 45.7 cm, width 207.2 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
- 0567/0053