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

Blue cloth with blue embroidery of three square motifs and three sided rinceau borders of alternating phoenix and flower motif. Center square motif has centre square with fret border design inside four tigers alternating with flower motif, outside corner butterflies alternating with pomegranates. Square motif on left shows swastikas in centre, surrounded by phoenix, flower, fruit and swastikas, corner motif of five swastikas. Square motif on right shows stylized centre square design surrounded by four pomegranates, flowers and butterflies. Ends hemmed.

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

Phoenix; peace, prosperity. Swastika, supreme good luck. Butterfly; joy, brightness, true love. Pomegranate; offspring, posterity, essence of favorable influences. Lotus; offspring, fruitfulness. Tiger; dignity, sternness, courage.

Item History

With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account

With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account

Similar Items