Valance Item Number: Edz1263 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Dark blue embroidered landscape design on plain white cotton. Centre: rock formation with cock, lotus, peony, sprigs, crab below. Proper right of centre: camel (?), phoenix, ribboned books. Proper left of centre: carp, crayfish, cloud, dragon, human figure, trees, rocks. Designs on both ends identical; rock motif with pondweed, tree with peaches, upright broadleaf plant, butterfly. Double border on three sides; inner border geometric, lion alternating with coin design; outer rinceau, fish alternating with crab. Hemmed on ends and top edge, lower edge 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.
Iconographic Meaning
Phoenix; goodness, prosperity, peace. Dragon; power, achievement. Carp and books; scholarly achievement. Butterfly; joy, brightness, true love. Pondweed; spirit of the waters. Peony; feminine beauty, prosperity. Lion; power, energy. Cock; courage.
Cultural Context
utilitarian;household
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
- Edz1263
- Type of Item
- valance
- Material
- indigo dye and cotton fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, stitched, dyed and embroidered
- Overall
- height 37.2 cm, width 212.5 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
- 0567/0038