Object Number | 98-22-9 |
Current Location | Collections Storage |
Culture | Miao |
Provenience | Southeast Asia | China |
Date Made | 1920-1939 |
Section | Asian |
Materials | Cotton |
Technique | Embroidered | Woven | Cross Stitch |
Inscription Language | Chinese Language | Chinese Language |
Description | Child's smock or vest which opens on the side and shoulder with loop and knot fasteners. The smock is of homespun cotton, indigo dyed a dark blue on the exterior, with the interior undyed. It is decorated with auspicious motifs front and back using cross-stitch embroidery in hard hemp thread. Embroidered designs on the front include: a representation of the "longevity lock" traditionally placed around a child's neck; phoenixes flying amid geometric designs and floral sprigs; swastika symbols; and a number of four-character lucky phrases in Chinese characters expressing wishes for a long and prosperous life: 長命富貴 "Long life and wealth" 長生不老 "Long life without ageing" 松柏延年 "Extended years like the pine and cypress" 福如東海 "Good fortune as [limitless as] the Eastern Sea" Motifs on the lighter-colored reverse side are: eight trigrams surrounding the character 壽 "longevity"; geometric patters enclosing the character 福 "good fortune"; the "double happiness" symbol 囍; fish, dragons and qilin; a pavilion; and auspicious phrases in Chinese characters: 貴出 "Sell when the price is high" 在家長富 “Longevity and wealth at home" 外保平安 "Be safe from harm when outside" |
Length | 50 cm |
Width | 40 cm |
Credit Line | Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Baylis, 1998 |
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