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

Scroll; patience, trust, scholar, one of the hundred antiques. Butterfly; joy, marital felicity.

White valance with blue-black embroidery; two selvage sides; ends, hemmed. Three large floral motifs separated by eight smaller floral and butterfly designs. Centre container: flower, sprigs, beads, basket, scroll near base. Basket at right: butterfly at top and base, geometric flowers. Basket at left: flower branches, butterfly at top, ribbons and beads at base. Small motif at lower right of centre has pine branch and bird. Other small motifs: flowers, branches, butterflies. Nine motifs in border enclosed in fret pattern; motifs are: butterfly, book, flower, scroll.