Textile Item Number: Edz1324 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Rectangular textile, cream fabric with brocade, indigo design border on the edge consists of three bands. The upper band has diamond shapes enclosing stylized lotus; middle band, rinceau with stylized flower motif; lower band, alternating peach and cherry blossoms. The upper and lower edges are selvage, the narrow sides are unfinished.

History Of Use

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.

Iconographic Meaning

Lotus; creative power, purity. Peach blossom; charm against evil. Cherry blossom; feminine beauty.

Cultural Context

utilitarian;household

Item History

What

Name
Textile
Identification Number
Edz1324
Type of Item
textile
Material
indigo dye and cotton fibre
Manufacturing Technique
woven, dyed, stitched and embroidered
Overall
height 82.1 cm, width 32.7 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
0567/0099