Jacket
About this object
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
Iconographic meaning
Two fish; Buddhist symbol to dispel evil. Swastika; supreme good luck. Lotus flower, creative power. Phoenix; female genius, beauty, prosperity. Peach; marriage, longevity. Butterfly; joy, conjugal felicity. Books; scholar.
Physical description
White jacket with dark blue embroidery. The jacket has a round neck, wide sleeves and centre opening with frog closures. On the centre front is a large roundel with lotus, leaves and sprigs. In the front corners are triangular designs with cock, floral, ribbon and fish motifs. On the centre back is a large roundel with swastika, lion, leaf and floral motifs with smaller book, lotus and bee motifs. On the shoulders are roundels with phoenix, peach and floral motifs. The sleeves are hemmed with cicada design and an inner rinceau butterfly border. The inside is unlined.
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Materials