Valance Item Number: Edz1288 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Black embroidery on white valance. Five major motifs of flowered plants or tree branches with a bird in each. Smaller motifs between these of butterflies along the top and animals at bottom.
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.
utilitarian;household
Peony; yang, brightness, masculinity, spring. Peacock; beauty, dignity. Cicada; immortality, resurrection. Pine; friends loyal in adversity. Lotus; purity, perfection. Chrysanthemum; autumn, ease, joviality. Butterfly; conjugal felicity, joy. Bee; industry, thrift. Deer; longevity. Cat; protector of silkworms and from evil spirits.