Rectangle; white silk gauze, partially filled with four rows of petit point embroidery, following a painted pattern. Multicolored design with circles and octagons containing figures and flowers. Edges hemmed. Gauze deteriorating along one edge, at one corner, and in some inner spots. Two identical rows for each of two designs. L. 51 cm. W. 29 cm. China att. silk; gauze weave Pattern area: silk; petit point stitch Never used. Possibly intended as scroll covers, to be cut apart and sewn on top of silk cloth. 19th c. Symbolism: Grass orchid - modesty; Peony - riches, honor, love, spring; Plum blossom - long life, winter Mary V. Hays; S.F., Ca (personal contact). Williams; Outlines of Chinese Symbolism, pp. 263, 282, 296-297
Donor:
Arlene Miller Rolkin
Collection place:
China
Culture or time period:
Chinese
Object type:
ethnography
Object class:
Textile samples
Function:
4.0 Use not specified (Structures and Furnishings)