Cover Item Number: Edz1312 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Plain cover with blue embroidery. End borders have birds, lotus blossom, flowers. Centre medallion shows birds, flowering branches and leaves. Overall pattern of butterflies. Patch sewn left of center. Selvedges top and bottom, and hemmed ends.
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.
utilitarian;household
Lotus blossom; offspring, fruitfulness. Flowers; supernatural omen. Phoenix; peace, prosperity. Butterfly; joy, brightness, true love.