Valance

Blue and white embroideries are part of a long 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

Plum; winter, long life. Peach; marriage, immortality, spring. Butterfly; joy, brightness, true love.

Plain white cloth with black embroidery. Two rows of twenty-two floral and insect motifs which include butterflies, a bird, peonies, chrysanthemums. Embroidered border with alternating flower and leaf design with geometric bands above and below. Hemmed on all three sides with zig-zag embroidery . Selvedge at top.