Sleeve border fragment. Pearl grey silk satin, embroidered in multi-color with cherry blossoms and butterflies. Some deterioration on butterflies. Hems glued later. Length: 70 cm; width: 8.5 cm China, att. Background: silk, satin weave. Pattern area: silk (untwisted), natural dyes; satin stitch, laid and couched stitches, Chinese knot. Part of a woman's robe worn on special occasions. Early 19th century Very fine embroidery. Elaborate butterflies. Symbolism: Butterfly - joy, summer; Cherry blossom - feminine beauty Mary V. Hays; S.F., Ca (personal contact). Williams; Outlines of Chinese Symbolism, pp. 42, 56
Donor:
Arlene Miller Rolkin
Collection place:
China
Culture or time period:
Chinese
Object type:
ethnography
Object class:
Sleeve borders
Function:
2.4 Fine Clothes and Accoutrements not used exclusively for status or religious purposes