Valance Item Number: Edz1242 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Five medallions separated by vases, flowers, fish and animals. The outer medallions are identical: human figures, one on horseback surrounded by cloud and earth motifs, phoenix and butterfly. Next medallion from viewer's left: dragon and pagoda motifs; centre medallion: seated ch'i-lin, boat, houses and swastikas. The other inner medallion: human figure on ch'i-lin surrounded by geometric shapes. Bordered on sides and bottom with blue bands. Top selvedge.
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
The fish are a charm against evil, symbol of marriage and conjugal fidelity. The rat is a symbol of zodiac north. Phoenix symbolizes peace and prosperity; butterfly symbolizes joy, marital felicity. Boy on ch'i-lin symbolizes perfect good and scholarly pursuits. The cassia blossoms indicate a rise to greatness.
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
- Edz1242
- Type of Item
- valance
- Material
- cotton fibre and indigo dye
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, stitched, embroidered and dyed
- Overall
- height 36.5 cm, width 191.5 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
- 0567/0017