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

Magnolia; feminine sweetness, beauty. Lotus; summer, fruitfulness. Butterfly; joy, marital felicity, summer, brightness. Vase; maintenance of peace. Mace; power, authority. Bamboo tube; longevity. Clouds; fertility of the land.

Plain cloth with blue embroidery. Five motifs, one in center of magnolia atop stylized landform with flowers, sprigs. Two motifs on either side of center are symmetrical, circular motifs of flowering plants on landform, butterfly and bat flanking center motif. Two motifs on either end of vase with geometric cloud and leaf designs, contains two flowering branches, buds, leaves. Two butterflies, one at each corner. Bottom hemmed with zig-zag and flower embroidery.