Table Cloth Item Number: 1458/19 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Large rectangular textile of four panels sewn together and embroidered with blue designs. Round and square designs all around sides with motifs of birds, fruit, mythical figures like phoenix and dragon(?), animals, flowers, trees, potted flowering plants, insects, and swastika symbols. Centre medallion has scene of buildings, bridges, water, trees, flowering vines, boat with people, dragon(?), swastika symbols, and a lotus flower at centre. Medallion surrounded by four dragons(?). Four triangles delineate centre space, four dragons(?) outside of this area. Many smaller motifs around larger round and square designs. Continuous border on all sides, motifs of lotus flowers, phoenix. Phoenix and lotus flowers in each corner above border.
Iconographic Meaning
The pomegranate design in the circle motif represents a wish for fertility; the reed like designs represent a phoenix, which also symbolizes fertility.
Item History
- Made in Sichuan, China
- Collected during 1945
- Owned by Margaret Outerbridge between March 23, 1939 and 1984
- Owned by Ralph E. Outerbridge between March 23, 1939 and November 26, 1990
- Received from Ralph E. Outerbridge (Donor) on November 26, 1990
What
- Name
- Table Cloth
- Identification Number
- 1458/19
- Type of Item
- cloth
- Material
- flax fibre and dye
- Overall
- height 180.5 cm, width 281.5 cm
Who
- Culture
- Chinese
- Previous Owner
- Margaret Outerbridge and Ralph E. Outerbridge
- Received from
- Ralph E. Outerbridge (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Sichuan, China
When
- Collection Date
- during 1945
- Ownership Date
- between March 23, 1939 and 1984 and between March 23, 1939 and November 26, 1990
- Acquisition Date
- on November 26, 1990
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 1458/0019