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Specific Techniques

All seams are concealed; they are stitched inside out and then turned. The socks were assembled and embroidered flat, and then finished by stitching along the sole and back of ankle.

Iconographic Meaning

The pink or red colour of the tassel shows that the socks were for a girl. The parallel lines of quilting represent wishes for a long life. The flowers are peach flowers, representing long life and having the power to expel devils.

History Of Use

Such socks were worn by baby girls on special occasions, such as the child’s first birthday or a festival. Fine quilting with narrow lines like this would have been done at home. The triangles, “jat-mul-rim” above the tassels were originally pieces of satin, but later were rendered with embroidery.

Description

Pair of baby’s socks (part a-b) made of white fabric, finely quilted in narrow parallel rows. The rows on the foot are vertical; those on the front of the ankle are diagonal. Socks are flat, with a seam around outer edge. The two layers are joined with an invisible stitching seam at the top. They are embroidered with floral motifs in blue-green and dark pink and four lozenges in dark pink and green. There is a dark pink tassel on the toe and a long white tie attached at the back of the ankle.