Valance Item Number: Edz1244 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
White valance with dark blue embroidery. The valance has five large roundels and a border around three sides with triangular pieces in each corner. The bottom inner border repeats a floral and leaf motif. The bottom outer border repeats a floral and tassel motif. The corners have rosette and swastika motifs. The far left roundel has plant, rosette and swastika motifs within an octagon shape. The roundel left of centre has phoenix, tiger, water plant and lotus motifs. The centre roundel has phoenix, dragon, two human figures, floral and tendril motifs in an oval shape. The right of centre roundel has three phoenixes, lotus, floral and leaf sprig motifs. The far right roundel has floral, leaf and four fruit motifs in a central square. The roundels are separated by smaller vase motifs. Three sides are hemmed.
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
Superimposed squares form an eight sides figure of cosmic significance. Rosettes and swastikas are symbols of good luck. The phoenix represents longevity; tiger, courage and dignity. The lotus stands for summer and fruitfulness.
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
- Edz1244
- Type of Item
- valance
- Material
- cotton fibre and indigo dye
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, stitched, embroidered and dyed
- Overall
- height 32.0 cm, width 188.0 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
- good
- Accession Number
- 0567/0019