Valance Item Number: Edz1253 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Plain white cloth with black embroidery of five squares bordered on three sides. Middle square, pagoda, two phoenix, all in floral motif. Right outer square, two phoenix, pagoda, floral motif. Left outer square, floral motif. Right inner square, cat, two ch'i-lin on either side of vase of flowers. Left inner square, two phoenix on either side of square motif, butterflies, floral motif. Long border predominantly butterfly design, short borders not matching.

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

A ch'i-lin is a mythical animal associated with longevity, grandeur, felicity, illustrious offspring, and wise administration. The cat is credited with the power to frighten evil spirits away. The butterfly is a symbol of joy, brightness, summer, the soul, and true love.

Cultural Context

utilitarian;household

Item History

What

Name
Valance
Identification Number
Edz1253
Type of Item
valance
Material
cotton fibre and indigo dye
Manufacturing Technique
woven, stitched, embroidered and dyed
Overall
height 40.0 cm, width 152.0 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
0567/0028