Valance Item Number: Edz1261 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Long, rectangular, brocade textile of cream fabric and indigo detailing. The design consists of a line, which becomes a wave pattern in centre separating the underwater and land designs. Bilaterally symmetrical except for dragon boat in centre. Below line are fish, crabs, sea plants, boats and willow trees; above line phoenixes and rabbits. Small animal near outer borders faces right on both sides. Medallion-type designs along top. From left and right sides to centre: tree, vase of flowers, horse, bird, pagoda, vase of flowers, ch'i-lin, tree, vase of flowers. Wide border below base line has floral and tassel in repeating pattern.
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
Vase of flowers; peace, harmony. Horse; perseverance. Ch'i-lin; perfect good, scholarly pursuits. Willow tree; meekness, feminine traits, spring. Rabbit; good luck. Phoenix; old age, immortality. Fish in a pair; joys of marital union, charm against evil.
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
- Edz1261
- Type of Item
- valance
- Material
- indigo dye and cotton fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, stitched, dyed and embroidered
- Overall
- height 43.2 cm, width 176.3 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
- 0567/0036