Valance Item Number: Edz1237 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Two plain white cloths joined horizontally, with blue-black embroidered designs. Bottom border has phoenixes and fruit; the next up has flowers and mountains. The bottom scene shows Pagoda at center with being and deer on either side. Other design features show butterflies, flowers, trees, cats, birds and fish. Center border shows two rows of same flower and leaves. Top scene shows two dragons flanking a center symbol. On either side, in mirror image, are a ship with dragon prow on a pedastal over top of stylized waves, crab, fish, and two flowering trees on either side. In the ship are three figures holding decorative standards. Next to ship is flowering vine with phoenixes. Both ends hemmed, selvedges top 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
Dragon is the symbol of eternity representing spring, rain and rebirth. The dragon gate represents achievement and indicates triumphant procession of important official.
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
- Edz1237
- Type of Item
- valance
- Material
- indigo dye and cotton fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, stitched, dyed and embroidered
- Overall
- height 45.0 cm, width 221.0 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
- good
- Accession Number
- 0567/0012