Cover Item Number: Edz1310 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Rectangular cover with pale blue border on each end with an inner row of braiding. The central motif consists of three triangular shaped rocks. The rock on left has a cat standing over an insect. Growing from inside the centre rock is a tree with a peony in bloom. The rock on the right has a bird on top. Growing between rocks is a branch bearing several varieties of fruit, flowers and leaves.

History Of Use

Blue and white embroideries are part of an ancient 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

Parrot and tree peony; spring, feminine beauty. Cat; dispels evil spirits, protects silk worms. Pomegranate; offspring, posterity.

Item History

What

Name
Cover
Identification Number
Edz1310
Type of Item
cover
Material
cotton fibre and indigo dye
Manufacturing Technique
woven, dyed, stitched and embroidered
Overall
height 69.1 cm, width 36.2 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
0567/0085