Valance Item Number: Edz1243 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Rectangular, brocade, valance of cream fabric and indigo detailing. The design consists of a geometric border on three sides with a wild plum motif. One edge is selvedge while the other three are hemmed. There are five gold rings sewn onto the selvedge edge. The central design consists of five medallions, two sets are mirror images. The first and the fifth have geometric designs in the centre surrounded by eight peaches and four peach trees growing from the centre of the design. The second and fourth medallions have central designs with four trees coming from it and eight designs of riding figure on a feline. The third medallion has a geometric centre design with four trees and eight pomegranates.
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 pomegranate symbolizes favourable influences, prosperity and the hope of a large family. The plum is an emblem of winter and long life. The peach is an emblem of marriage, immortality and spring. The phoenix is for peace and prosperity.
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
- Edz1243
- Type of Item
- valance
- Material
- cotton fibre, indigo dye and metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, stitched, embroidered and dyed
- Overall
- height 39.9 cm, width 182.0 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
- 0567/0018