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

Vase; peace, harmony. Butterfly; joy, conjugal felicity. Prunus, peach and lotus blossoms; feminine beauty, creativity. Dove; faithfulness, filial duty. Fish, pondweed; water spirits, fertility.

Rectangular, brocade valance of cream fabric with dark blue design. The design consists of five vases with flowers, birds and butterflies inside. The vases alternate with two smaller motifs placed one above the other consisting of butterfly, bird, crab, shrimp, fish and pondweed. A dove with a branch in its beak appears above the lotus flower in the central vase. Stylized birds, prunus, peach and lotus blossoms appear above the other vases. Raw edges.