Valance Item Number: Edz1264 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Blue embroidery on white cotton. Five major motifs of flower and fruit baskets separated by smaller motifs. All baskets have key design in handles and bases; tassels at each end of base. In upper corners phoenixes joined at beaks, hold tassels. Phoenix designs in lower corners. Two birds holding tassel at each upper corner. Between baskets along bottom and symmetrical from center: small boats with two figures, two boys riding a unicorn and holding an umbrella. Two insects on either side of centre basket. Centre basket flanked above by four small crabs; two stylized butterflies, fish and tassels. Near upper edge small design of scrolls, coins, lozenge and sword. Border on three sides has repeating design of buildings, willow tree, flowers, small figure. Selvedge edges; hemmed ends.
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
Flower basket; beauty, harmony. Vase; peace. Persimmon; joy. Citron; wealth. Peach; marriage, long life. Pomegranate; offspring, prosperity. Butterfly; joy, conjugal felicity. Phoenix; beauty, goodness, female element. Unicorn; good omen, with boy or man riding it and carrying an umbrella, has or will have high rank. Umbrella; respect, purity. Pair of fish; marriage, charm against evil. Lozenge and coin; victory, wealth. Willow tree; meekness.
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
- Edz1264
- Type of Item
- valance
- Material
- indigo dye and cotton fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, stitched, dyed and embroidered
- Overall
- height 39.0 cm, width 194.3 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
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0567/0039