Valance Item Number: Edz1255 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Plain white cotton valance is cross-stitched embroidered. Top has seven tasseled stands with fruit, vines, interspersed with butterflies, circles with streamers, flowers with and without vases, fans, ch'i-lins ridden by flower carrying people. Below, standing in a straight line are twenty-two male figures carrying standards, banners, and canopies in one hand and lanterns, fruit, torches and plants in the other. Two women, first and third from left side, carry fans. Between every sixth person is a male mounted on a horse. Mounted figure on left has hat with horizontal brim and narrow crown; carries plant in hand on right and small object in hand on left. Middle mounted male has similar hat with diagonal ornaments; carries sceptre in hand on left and plant in hand on right. Rider on right is identical to middle figure. Below figures hang plants with tassels. Inside border on three sides is rinceau of flowers, leaves and buds. Solid blue line and white crosses on outside border. Sides are hemmed; top and bottom selvage. Unbordered side shows signs of stitching.
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
Geometric scrolls: cloud and thunder pattern insuring rain and fertility. Fungus: immortality or longevity. Ch'i-lin: mystic animal associated with birth and good fortune. Branch denotes success in life. Coins mean wealth. Citrus fruit means wealth and divine protection. Butterflies: joy. Swastika: supreme good luck. Tassels under horses' chins are signs of triumph. White crosses on bodies: mystical cosmic symbols. Peony: spring beauty. Chrysanthemum: joviality.
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
- Edz1255
- Type of Item
- valance
- Material
- cotton fibre and indigo dye
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, stitched, embroidered and dyed
- Overall
- height 37.8 cm, width 200.0 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
- 0567/0030