Cover Item Number: Edz1300 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Light indigo cover with blue-black embroidery. Top and bottom selvage; sides have blue-black double bias binding with double lines of blue- black braid. Central motif: two lions, peonies and ribbons. Each lion has a mane, fluffy tail, rosettes on body. Lion at left has eyelashes; lion at right has wrinkled forehead.
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.
Lion; valor, energy, was on court robes of military officials of the second grade. Peony, in the "game of the lion" may represent the sun.
utilitarian;household