Vest Item Number: Edz1320 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Small gray-white vest with indigo design. The vest has a round neck, side slits and centre opening with frog closures. On the front are floral, branch and bird motifs. On the back are floral, pagoda, tree and bird motifs. Around all the edges is a dark blue border. The inside is unlined.

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.

Cultural Context

utilitarian;household