Cover

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.

utilitarian;household

Parrot and peony; spring, feminine beauty. Cat; dispels evil spirits, protects silkworms. Pomegranate; offspring, posterity. Star; mystic symbol.

Plain white cloth with blue embroidery. Pale blue bias binding at each end. Inner dark grey braid. Centre motif shows three landforms, two at opposite bottom corners with stylized crosses and flowers, and one near left bottom corner with heavy four petal design. Cat on landform at bottom right corner, bird and thistle flower at opposite. Flowering fruit tree branches fill out rest of motif, with parrot perched near center.