Textile Fragment; Rectangle of white silk gauze, entirely filled with embroidery. Multicolored geometric diaper ground with scattered figures, birds, and figures riding horses (?). Some deterioration of embroidery threads. Black and red satin borders, and pink silk lining added later. Paper on three edges on back. L. 38 cm. W. 31.5 cm China att. Background: silk; gauze weave Pattern area: untwisted silk, natural dyes; counted thread stitches. Supplementary: silk; satin weave, plain weave Embroidery may be "hundred children" design, symbol of fertility. Original fabric may have been used as a bed hanging. Fragment later adapted as part of a garment (wedding skirt?), along with fragments #13512 a, b, c. 18th c. or early 19th c. Mary V. Hays; S.F., Ca (personal contact). Williams; Outlines of Chinese Symbolism, pp. 100-102
Donor:
Arlene Miller Rolkin
Collection place:
China
Culture or time period:
Chinese
Object type:
ethnography
Object class:
Textile samples
Function:
2.0 Use not specified (Secular Dress and Accoutrements, and Adornment)