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

Tree peony; spring, love, affection, prosperity. Butterfly; joy, conjugal felicity.

Plain white cloth with black cross-stitch embroidery. Large flowing design of flowers, leaves, fruit, and butterfly. Central motif is tree peony, large stylized butterfly at left end. Transfer lines incompletely covered in several places. Left and right edges slightly frayed, upper and lower edges selvage.