Often given at Chinese New Year, it was gifted to the Mission in 2012 by Ren Ban of the ship ‘Theresa’ from Micronesia. The red Chinese knot is a particular kind of knot unique to China, usually a gift as a symbol of good fortune for a home, a business or an organisation and the one strand ties people together. The object was presented to acknowledge the work done by the Mission for the seafarers of the world. Red and gold Chinese good fortune symbol made of synthetic, silk-like material with woven diamond hanging section and a long double hanging tassel with gold trim .symbol, ms theresa, seafarer gifts, chinese knot, chinese tassel, pan chang knot, red, handicraft

When the ship Schomberg was launched in 1855, she was considered the most perfect clipper ship ever to be built. James Blaine’s Black Ball Line had commissioned her to be built for their fleet of passenger liners. At a cost of £43,103, the Aberdeen builders designed her to sail faster than the quick clippers designed by North American Donald McKay. She was a three masted wooden clipper ship, built with diagonal planking of British oat with layers of Scottish larch. This luxury vessel was designed to transport emigrants to Melbourne in superior comfort. She had ventilation ducts to provide air to the lower decks and a dining saloon, smoking room, library and bathrooms for the first class passengers. At the launch of Schomberg’s maiden voyage, her master Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes, drunkenly predicted that he would make the journey between Liverpool and Melbourne in 60 days. Schomberg departed Liverpool on 6 October 1855 with 430 passengers and 3000 tons cargo including iron rails and equipment intended the build the Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. The winds were poor as Schomberg sailed across the equator, slowing her journey considerably. She was 78 days out of Liverpool when she ran aground on a sand-spit near Peterborough, Victoria, on 27 December; the sand spit and the currents were not marked on Forbes’s map. Overnight, the crew launched a lifeboat to find a safe place to land the ship’s passengers. The scouting party returned to Schomberg and advised Forbes that it was best to wait until morning because the rough seas could easily overturn the small lifeboats. The ship’s Chief Officer spotted SS Queen at dawn and signalled the steamer. The master of the SS Queen approached the stranded vessel and all of Schomberg’s passengers were able to disembark safely. The Black Ball Line’s Melbourne agent sent a steamer to retrieve the passengers’ baggage from the Schomberg. Other steamers helped unload her cargo until the weather changed and prevented the salvage teams from accessing the ship. Local merchants Manifold & Bostock bought the wreck and cargo, but did not attempt to salvage the cargo still on board the ship. They eventually sold it on to a Melbourne businessman and two seafarers. After two of the men drowned when they tried to reach Schomberg, salvage efforts were abandoned.32 In 1975, divers from Flagstaff Hill, including Peter Ronald, found an ornate communion set at the wreck. The set comprised a jug, two chalices, a plate and a lid. The lid did not fit any of the other objects and in 1978 a piece of the lid broke off, revealing a glint of gold. As museum staff carefully examined the lid and removed marine growth, they found a diamond ring, which is currently on display in the Great Circle Gallery.33 Flagstaff Hill also holds ship fittings and equipment, personal effects, a lithograph, tickets and photograph from the Schomberg. Most of the artefacts were salvaged from the wreck by Peter Ronald, former director of Flagstaff Hill. The Schomberg, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S612), has great historical significance as a rare example of a large, fast clipper ship on the England to Australia run, carrying emigrants at the time of the Victorian gold rush. She represents the technical advances made to break sailing records between Europe and Australia. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from the Schomberg is significant for its association with the shipwreck. The collection is primarily significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the Schomberg. It is archaeologically significant as the remains of an international passenger Ship. It is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and for its association with the shipwreck and the ship, which was designed to be fastest and most luxurious of its day Piece of China bowl, white with knotted blue rope design around outer rim. . Recovered from the wreck of the Schomberg. Painted [blue knotted rope motif]warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, schomberg, shipwrecked-artefact, clipper ship, black ball line, 1855 shipwreck, aberdeen clipper ship, captain forbes, peterborough shipwreck, ss queen, china bowl, bowl fragment, blue knotted rope motif

Jenny Rowe says: This piece was inspired by some hand dyed threads, interesting fabrics and a piece called Soleil Rouge by Celcile Meraglia which I saw on Pinterest. I began by ironing various size circles and ovals on to the silk dupion backing. I then drew the lines that surround them and divided the spaces. These were worked by couching various threads and tapes, loads o chain stitch (my favourite) whipped, laced, over worked with running stitch in a contrasting colour or with buttonhole stitch worked into the side. Stitches used for the circles and filling include - fly , lazy daisy, Chinese and French knots, raised chain bands, up and down buttonhole, spider web, herringbone, feather, Palestrina, Roumanian and seed stitches. I used these as the whim took me and I kept going back and forth adding layers until I just had to say STOP! Finally I added a few cogs in a nod to steam punk, one of my favourite styles. It was a wonderful piece to use many different stitches and all those lovely threads in your stash. I had tremendous fun stitching this. Example of contemporary creative surface stitcherySilk dupion panel designed and embroidered with surface embroidery using many different stitches and threads. Embellished with metal cogs in a nod to steam punk style. floral, freeform, steam punk

The pottery was at Fenton, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire UK and was established in 1825, by C J & GM Mason, they were succeeded by Mr. Samuel Boyle from whom the works passed into the hands of E & C Challinor, formally E Challinor & Co. Of Sandyford and Tunstall. The partners in Sandyford and Tunstall works are recorded as Edward Challinor Jnr and Charles Challinor Jnr and is presumably they are the sons of the partners of the Fenton pottery business. They produced china of white granite, printed sponged common earthenware for the American, Australian, and other foreign and colonial markets. The main goods produced were tea, coffee, breakfast, dinner, and toilet ceramic sets as well as other earthenware goods. Their pottery marks were the Staffordshire rope knot with or without E & C Challinor or just E C. An early piece of earthenware pottery made in England for the Australian colonial market around the mid to late 19th century.Serving plate white body, smooth rim, and blue oriental designRope knot motif printed on back in blue with letters EC warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, earthenware, ceramic, willow pattern, serving plate, e & c challinor, potteries

THE CUTTY SARK: The ship Cutty Sark was built expressly for the China Tea Trade and was involved in the famous tea clipper races between 1859 and 1872. It was designed and built by Scott and Linton of Dunbarton, Scotland. Cutty Sark holds the record with 363 knots done more than once. On one occasion, it managed speeds of 362 and 363 knots on two consecutive days. In 1872, it had the misfortune of losing its rudder while racing the "Thermopylae" but was able to continue the race after repairs.The photograph of the Cutty Sark is significant for showing a special ship which carried wool from Australia to other parts of the world. The photograph helps us imagine what sea travel was like before steam-powered ships were common, and they show us how trade, travel and migration changed over time. The Cutty Sark is famous for being very fast. It set a record for the journey from Australia to Britain and kept that title for ten years. Today, people still recognise its importance because it has been carefully preserved and is on display at the British Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Photograph framed black and white photograph behind glass, depicting the tall ship "Cutty Sark" in full rig. Figures are on deck. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, maritime museum, great ocean road, cutty sark, historic sailing ship, tea clipper, sail training vessel, cadet training ship, commercial trading vessel, cargo sail vessel, clipper races, scott and linton of dunbarton scottland, race record, ferreria, 1869, tea cargo, tea trade, china tea, wool export, australian export, australian wool export, china tea trade, thermopylae

This banner was one of five banners gifted to the Beechworth Chinese community in recognition of their support of the Hospital and Benevolent Asylum in 1875, from the Carnival Committee. These banners had been purchased in China by a social envoy from Beechworth then presented to the Chinese community during the Beechworth Fine Arts Exhibition in May of that same year, by Donald Fiddes, President of the Ovens District Hospital. The Burke Museum's Chinese Collection presents the history of Chinese settlement in Beechworth from 1856 and its involvement in local community affairs in the second half of the 19th century. In settling in the area they formed their own community with distinctive Chinese cultural traditions, forming their own 'camps' with laid out streets, housing a Temple, Chinese Theatre and restaurants, hotels, stores, gambling houses and dwellings. Members of the Chinese community took an active interest in town affairs and were generous donors to the appeal to build the Ovens District Hospital in 1856/7. The vibrant colours and dynamic graphics of the silk embroidered Chinese banners were a highlight of Beechworth Charitable processions that took place in the main street. Two of the Chinese banners were conserved for the Burke Museum in 2006 by Carol Campbell of Phoenix Conservation Services with funding from Victoria’s Heritage Grants. In 2015, with the enormous support of the Copland Foundation and fundraising activities by the Friends of the Bur Museum Committee, conservation of the third banner was undertaken by Artlab Australia in Adelaide.The banners display traditional Chinese textile techniques and are visually beautiful and very rare and are considered of local and national significance, with the potential to be deemed internationally significant.The banner has a narrow fuchsia embroidered top border, a wider embroidered panel depicting 2 dogs with embroidered Chinese text and a larger lower panel with the embroidered text “PRESENTED TO THE CHINESE OF BEECHWORTH BY THE COMMITEES OF THE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS (missing) THAT TOWN IN COMMEMOR (missing) OF THE CARNIVAL 1873” The 2 lower panels have narrow decorative borders decorated with mirrors and extensive embroidery. There is an additional embroidered tab running along the right hand edge. The bottom edge has a wide knotted fringe. The back is lined with fabric decorated with a painted scene. Refer Attachment 1 quote ARTLAB AustPRESENTED TO THE CHINESE / OF BEECHWORTH BY THE / COMMITEES OF THE PUBLIC / INSTITUTIONS THAT / TOWN IN COMMEMOR / OF THE CARNIVAL 1873beechworth, burke museum, chinese, benevolent asylum, ovens district hospital, beechworth carnival processions, carnival, processions, beechworth chinese community, beechworth fine arts exhibition, donald fiddes

The last remaining and most famous of all the clipper ships, Cutty Stark, is today preserved for posterity in a dry dock in Greenwich, UK. Launched in November 1869 at Dumbarton on Clyde she was considered the fastest ship of the day. Designed and constructed by Hercules Linton and William D Scott, she was built to carry tea from China and beat the Thermopylae. Her fastest recorded speed was 12.5 knots by sailing 363 miles in 24 hours. The dimensions of both ships were very similar: length 64.7m (212 feet), Beam 11 =m (36 feet), Depth of hold 6.4m (21 feet). Tonnage: Cutty Stark: 921, Thermopyalae 948. With many centuries of shipbuilding it was difficult to find good oak in England. The oak frames occupied excessive space in the cargo hold. A composite building technique was sued with the hull being made out of wooded panelled iron frames. Cutty stark was built with an elm keel and teak planking. Her last passage carrying tea was in 1877. in 1895 she was sold to a Portuguese owner. in 1883, the Cutty Stark joined the Australian wool trade, loaning wool from ports, including Melbourne, bound for the UKLarge model of the Cutty Stark in a "Handcrafted/ Mr Robert McFeeters/ Vermont 19"98" "Display Case/ Mr Ivan Nemanic/ Montrose 1990" "Cutty Stark/ Buil 1869/ Glasgow/

Small round woven rattan Chinese food container with lid, brown tones, handle of 3 glass beads, pink & Yellow joined by knotted cotton plus unravelled silk tassel.domestic equipment, food storage & preservation, chinese

Objects. Clothes brush is oval in shape, with a polished wooden base, and black bristles. Shaped to a rounded point at each end. Bristles 2.5 cm long. Nine rows of bristles. Make-up brush bears Chinese writing on the handle, 23.5 cm long with 6.5 cm long white hairs forming the brush. Hairs are held in an ebony cup shape fitting, attached to the handle. An ebony top-knot completed with a red silk ribbon loop finishes the top of the handle.Hair comb: Tortoise shell, with three 7 cm long teeth, which unfortunately are broken from the fan-shaped decorative top. The fan-shaped top of the comb, has an art-deco type flowing floral design-1920's.Chinese lettering - six characters.costume accessories, female, clothes brush, make-up brush, hair comb.

Known as Manton de Manila, these garments became popular in Spain for flamenco and often produced in China for the export market during the 1920's. Donor's grandfather was a Sea Captain, often using the Asian trading routes. This came from her grandmother.Vintage black silk piano shawl, with colourful, intricate floral foliage vine leaf design and large peony flowers in pink and blue silk. 250 mm hand-knotted black fringe.

Known as Manton de Manila, these garments became popular in Spain for flamenco and often produced in China for the export market during the 1920's.Vintage black silk piano shawl, with colourful, intricate floral foliage vine leaf design and large peony flowers and birds in pink, yellow, orange and blue silk. 250 mm hand-knotted black fringe.

Oriental made tatting shuttle. Tatting shuttles were used to make knotted lace and became popular in early 19th century - later than knotting Decoratively carved ivory tatting shuttle made in China for sale to Europeans, often included in workboxes. These were not practical tools as a smooth tatting shuttle surface is more suited to the task.Elliptical shaped ivory carved tatting shuttle Carved flower design on both sidestatting

Large shawl or coverlet of cream satin (silk) embroidered in flat and twisted silks with flowers, foliage and approx. 80 Chinese birds, mostly in pairs. Fringe is knotted.embroidery, silk shading

The donation records indicate that this dress was worn by Georgiana Elizabeth Moore (1899-1974), who lived for most of her life in Brighton at 38 and later 40 Cochrane Street. Since the dress is of an earlier date, It is likely that it belonged to Georgiana's mother, Elizabeth Moore (1860-1950). Georgiana was born to Richard and Elizabeth Moore in Brighton in 1899. She was named after Richard's first wife, Georgiana Leake Moore (nee Paul), who had died in 1893 aged only 38. Georgiana is recorded as having been "tall with red hair". The family moved to Diamond Creek for several years, but returned to Brighton after Richard's death in 1922. Georgiana and her mother settled in Cochrane Street, where they lived for the rest of their lives. We know very little about Georgiana herself. Newspaper records indicate that she was a talented musician, graduating from the University of Melbourne with a diploma in music in 1927. BHS holds a small collection of items belonging to the Moore family. This dress was donated by Georgiana's niece, Jeannette Fraser, along with two nightgowns: a c. 1880 night dress believed to have been worn by Elizabeth and a c. 1910 night dress believed to have been worn by Georgiana's sister Amelia Henrietta Fraser (née Moore) while boarding at Merton Hall (this nightdress does also show a laundry mark of G.E. Moore and so may have been worn by both women). Georgiana herself donated a number of items to the Society in 1972, including a 1920s black and white geometric loom-beaded handbag.A good example of a princess line dress of this period in good condition and with provenance.A one-piece princess line dress, circa 1878-1882 of deep royal blue silk featuring Chinese-inspired self pattern. The neckline features a standing collar and is secured through the centre front from neck to floor with self covered buttons. At the front knee the fabric has been gathered and drawn to the back into a tiered fish-tail swag and trimmed with a matching blue knotted fringe. The swagging is created by interior tapes. The dress is backed with cream cotton.georgiana elizabeth moore, elizabeth moore, amelia henrietta fraser, brighton

Pocket - made to suspend from belt. Floral design worked in twisted silk and couched gold thread in satin and pekin knot stitch. Large tassel of antique gold thread over wooden foundation.embroidery, bags, silk embroidery, oriental, china, late 19th century

Purchased in Colombo, (Ceylon) Sri Lanka in 1930 . Said to be of Indian origin by Chinese from Canton. These shawls were made for the European market.Off white silk, the entire area embroidered in self coloured twisted silk thread. All over flower design includes some birds. The edge is decorated with a 42 cms deep fringe of knotted silk.embroidery, surface stitchery, china, 19th century, oriental, silk embroidery, india, shawl

This type of shawl said to have been made by Chinese for the European market. Provenance : Colombo? India? China?Ivory Canton crepe with a deep fringe. Cream coloured embroidery over a large area. Satin stitch floral design. Knotted fringe.embroidery, surface stitchery, 19th century, china, silk embroidery, oriental, shawl

"Doc" Rowe and his wife "Mora" were Australian entertainers who performed worldwide, including the Far East, during 1910-1930. The embroidered costumes were purchased in China and used in their performances in Australia and overseas.Front/band for a woman's robe. Royal blue satin embroidered Taoist and Buddhist emblems with pekin knot stitch edged with couched gold and white or black thread. Braids along inner edges. Reverse applique butterflies in four corners. Gold-cast button and roulette cords and loops on front. Lined with blue, woven patterned silk. embroidery, china, oriental, garments, late 19th century, silk embroidery

Purchased by the donor from a Chinese family on a rubber estate in Malacca for 3 pound in 1922. The country was suffering a deep depression owing to a slump in rubber and many wealthy Chinese were in serious financial difficulties and were realising on anything they could. When the coat was on show at an exhibition the donor was told by someone who had lived in China for many years that it was a very fine example and was possibly 200-300 years old (identified by the cut and fastening of the front panel). The golden pheasants embroidered on the back indicated it came from a Southern state and from a family of high degree. Some years later it was dated as 17th century. Classical style of garment, very long-sleeved in red silk with coloured embroidery. The symbols belong to a high ranking official, symbols of two white doves embroidered on the back, and also the long sleeves with their decorative embroidered bands of turquoise, blue, pink and yellow. The front of the garment overlaps the right side with five small decorative buttons fastened with loops. The buttons were gold and because of their value they were replaced with identical brass buttons. Motifs include phoenix, butterflies, birds, pomegranate, flowers and auspicious symbols. Predominate stitch used is Pekinese Knot Stitch with couched gold outlines of the motifs. The birds and butterflies are worked in satin and long and short stitch. embroidery, garments, china, silk embroidery, oriental, 17th century

Slips were applied/stitched to Chinese garments.Six floral motifs and one butterfly. Embroidered in Pekin knot, satin stitch and couched metal threads. The slips are glued to a rectangle of paper. embroidery, slips, china, fragments, silk embroidery

19th C detachable collar worn over the shoulder and chest for auspicious occasions like weddings.Child's Chinese Cloud Collar - 'Yunjian'. Four bronze coloured panels/lobes on black silk background, backed with green silk, shades of blue with white silk floral motifs decorate the edge of the panels which are bordered with fine blue and yellow woven tape. Panels are made individually, joined by silk neck bias binding and a mauve buttonhole stitch in three places. Two black silk knotted clasps (pankou).

Chinese sleeve embroidery bands, or wanxiu became popular in the late 19th century during the Qing Dynasty, evolving from the traditional Han cuff embroidery and Manchu styles. These detachable, decorated bands were added to women's informal jackets and robes, often featuring symbolic motifs like landscapes, flowers, and auspicious symbols. They served both a decorative function, displaying artistic skill and personal wishes, and a practical one by covering the sleeves when hands were folded at the waist. History and evolution: Origins: The practice of embroidering cuffs on robes existed during the previous Ming Dynasty for Han women, and this was adopted by the Manchu rulers who founded the Qing Dynasty. Qing Dynasty (1644-1911): The practice was popularized and elaborated upon during this era, with detachable bands becoming a fashionable element for informal wear. Symbolism: The embroidery included a complex visual vocabulary of wishes for a long life, many offspring, and a happy marriage, derived from nature, mythology, and classical literature. Functionality: Women would fold their arms, often with their hands inside the sleeves, so the embroidered bands, which were sewn to hang down the back of the jacket, would be displayed prominently down the front. 19th century peak: The late 19th century was the peak of their popularity, with intricate designs becoming fashionable and even influenced by court tastes, such as those favoured by the Empress Dowager Cixi. Later developments: The late 19th century saw the introduction of chemical 'aniline' dyes from Europe, leading to brighter, bolder colours in embroidery. Motifs and their Meanings: Auspicious symbols: Designs often included symbols for good fortune, wealth, and longevity. Natural imagery: Birds, flowers, and landscapes were common motifs that could represent natural beauty or convey specific symbolic meanings. Figurative scenes: Bands could also feature narrative scenes from classical stories or legends. The choice of motifs allowed women to express personal desires, cultural values, and aesthetic preferences, reflecting a more personal and informal style than official court attire.Sleeve band of grey brocade silk, embroidered design of peonies, and butterflies in coloured silk thread in Pekin knot stitch. Flowers are outlined in cream crinkle cord. china, late 19th century, silk, sleeve band, flower, peony, butterfly

Chinese sleeve embroidery bands, or wanxiu became popular in the late 19th century during the Qing Dynasty, evolving from the traditional Han cuff embroidery and Manchu styles. These detachable, decorated bands were added to women's informal jackets and robes, often featuring symbolic motifs like landscapes, flowers, and auspicious symbols. They served both a decorative function, displaying artistic skill and personal wishes, and a practical one by covering the sleeves when hands were folded at the waist. History and evolution: Origins: The practice of embroidering cuffs on robes existed during the previous Ming Dynasty for Han women, and this was adopted by the Manchu rulers who founded the Qing Dynasty. Qing Dynasty (1644-1911): The practice was popularized and elaborated upon during this era, with detachable bands becoming a fashionable element for informal wear. Symbolism: The embroidery included a complex visual vocabulary of wishes for a long life, many offspring, and a happy marriage, derived from nature, mythology, and classical literature. Functionality: Women would fold their arms, often with their hands inside the sleeves, so the embroidered bands, which were sewn to hang down the back of the jacket, would be displayed prominently down the front. 19th century peak: The late 19th century was the peak of their popularity, with intricate designs becoming fashionable and even influenced by court tastes, such as those favoured by the Empress Dowager Cixi. Later developments: The late 19th century saw the introduction of chemical 'aniline' dyes from Europe, leading to brighter, bolder colours in embroidery. Motifs and their Meanings: Auspicious symbols: Designs often included symbols for good fortune, wealth, and longevity. Natural imagery: Birds, flowers, and landscapes were common motifs that could represent natural beauty or convey specific symbolic meanings. Figurative scenes: Bands could also feature narrative scenes from classical stories or legends. The choice of motifs allowed women to express personal desires, cultural values, and aesthetic preferences, reflecting a more personal and informal style than official court attire.Pale green brocade with Pekin knot stitch in blue, green, cream and brown. Large heads and the phoenix used in the design. Gold thread couched with cream thread.embroidery, garments, silk embroidery, oriental, china

Chinese sleeve embroidery bands, or wanxiu became popular in the late 19th century during the Qing Dynasty, evolving from the traditional Han cuff embroidery and Manchu styles. These detachable, decorated bands were added to women's informal jackets and robes, often featuring symbolic motifs like landscapes, flowers, and auspicious symbols. They served both a decorative function, displaying artistic skill and personal wishes, and a practical one by covering the sleeves when hands were folded at the waist. History and evolution: Origins: The practice of embroidering cuffs on robes existed during the previous Ming Dynasty for Han women, and this was adopted by the Manchu rulers who founded the Qing Dynasty. Qing Dynasty (1644-1911): The practice was popularized and elaborated upon during this era, with detachable bands becoming a fashionable element for informal wear. Symbolism: The embroidery included a complex visual vocabulary of wishes for a long life, many offspring, and a happy marriage, derived from nature, mythology, and classical literature. Functionality: Women would fold their arms, often with their hands inside the sleeves, so the embroidered bands, which were sewn to hang down the back of the jacket, would be displayed prominently down the front. 19th century peak: The late 19th century was the peak of their popularity, with intricate designs becoming fashionable and even influenced by court tastes, such as those favoured by the Empress Dowager Cixi. Later developments: The late 19th century saw the introduction of chemical 'aniline' dyes from Europe, leading to brighter, bolder colours in embroidery. Motifs and their Meanings: Auspicious symbols: Designs often included symbols for good fortune, wealth, and longevity. Natural imagery: Birds, flowers, and landscapes were common motifs that could represent natural beauty or convey specific symbolic meanings. Figurative scenes: Bands could also feature narrative scenes from classical stories or legends. The choice of motifs allowed women to express personal desires, cultural values, and aesthetic preferences, reflecting a more personal and informal style than official court attire.Cream satin, silk embroidery in Pekin knot stitch. Fine couched cord. Rural setting with figures, trees and pagoda.embroidery, garments, silk embroidery, china, garden, figures, lanscape

Chinese sleeve embroidery bands, or wanxiu became popular in the late 19th century during the Qing Dynasty, evolving from the traditional Han cuff embroidery and Manchu styles. These detachable, decorated bands were added to women's informal jackets and robes, often featuring symbolic motifs like landscapes, flowers, and auspicious symbols. They served both a decorative function, displaying artistic skill and personal wishes, and a practical one by covering the sleeves when hands were folded at the waist. History and evolution: Origins: The practice of embroidering cuffs on robes existed during the previous Ming Dynasty for Han women, and this was adopted by the Manchu rulers who founded the Qing Dynasty. Qing Dynasty (1644-1911): The practice was popularized and elaborated upon during this era, with detachable bands becoming a fashionable element for informal wear. Symbolism: The embroidery included a complex visual vocabulary of wishes for a long life, many offspring, and a happy marriage, derived from nature, mythology, and classical literature. Functionality: Women would fold their arms, often with their hands inside the sleeves, so the embroidered bands, which were sewn to hang down the back of the jacket, would be displayed prominently down the front. 19th century peak: The late 19th century was the peak of their popularity, with intricate designs becoming fashionable and even influenced by court tastes, such as those favoured by the Empress Dowager Cixi. Later developments: The late 19th century saw the introduction of chemical 'aniline' dyes from Europe, leading to brighter, bolder colours in embroidery. Motifs and their Meanings: Auspicious symbols: Designs often included symbols for good fortune, wealth, and longevity. Natural imagery: Birds, flowers, and landscapes were common motifs that could represent natural beauty or convey specific symbolic meanings. Figurative scenes: Bands could also feature narrative scenes from classical stories or legends. The choice of motifs allowed women to express personal desires, cultural values, and aesthetic preferences, reflecting a more personal and informal style than official court attire.Classical Chinese design, a wide band of pale green satin is partly decorated with a band of embroidery. Pekin knot stitch outlined with a very fine white cord is worked in shades of pink, blue, yellow and green. Subjects chosen are flower vase, bats, sea creatures and peony flowers.On reverse 438/4103embroidery, garments, china, silk embroidery, poeny, flower, vase, bat, animals

Chinese sleeve embroidery bands, or wanxiu became popular in the late 19th century during the Qing Dynasty, evolving from the traditional Han cuff embroidery and Manchu styles. These detachable, decorated bands were added to women's informal jackets and robes, often featuring symbolic motifs like landscapes, flowers, and auspicious symbols. They served both a decorative function, displaying artistic skill and personal wishes, and a practical one by covering the sleeves when hands were folded at the waist. History and evolution: Origins: The practice of embroidering cuffs on robes existed during the previous Ming Dynasty for Han women, and this was adopted by the Manchu rulers who founded the Qing Dynasty. Qing Dynasty (1644-1911): The practice was popularized and elaborated upon during this era, with detachable bands becoming a fashionable element for informal wear. Symbolism: The embroidery included a complex visual vocabulary of wishes for a long life, many offspring, and a happy marriage, derived from nature, mythology, and classical literature. Functionality: Women would fold their arms, often with their hands inside the sleeves, so the embroidered bands, which were sewn to hang down the back of the jacket, would be displayed prominently down the front. 19th century peak: The late 19th century was the peak of their popularity, with intricate designs becoming fashionable and even influenced by court tastes, such as those favoured by the Empress Dowager Cixi. Later developments: The late 19th century saw the introduction of chemical 'aniline' dyes from Europe, leading to brighter, bolder colours in embroidery. Motifs and their Meanings: Auspicious symbols: Designs often included symbols for good fortune, wealth, and longevity. Natural imagery: Birds, flowers, and landscapes were common motifs that could represent natural beauty or convey specific symbolic meanings. Figurative scenes: Bands could also feature narrative scenes from classical stories or legends. The choice of motifs allowed women to express personal desires, cultural values, and aesthetic preferences, reflecting a more personal and informal style than official court attire. Symbolism: Mountains and sea, clouds and waves - Good luck. Dragon/fish tail/flaming pearl = Good fortune. This refers to the legend 'liyutiaolongmen' - a carp rising from the waves with the head already changed into a dragon implies the wish for success in the civil service examination. It is an allegory for the persistent effort needed to overcome obstacles. Male with black hat - Zhuang Yuan conferred. Among patterns with implied meanings , patterns related to the pursuits of scholarly honour and official rand include mainly the 'three number ones'. 'Zheng Yuan conferred' and 'carp jumping over the dragon gate'. In feudal society, examiners for the official positions had to go through three different levels of examinations. Bats - the work for bat is 'fu' and is a visual pun for the word happiness 'fu'. Rhino horn - wealth and good fortune. The ruyi sceptre - is a curved decorative Chinese object that symbolizes power, good fortune, and the wish that “things go as you desire.” The head of the sceptre resembles the 'lingzhi' of the 'longevity fungus'. Pomegranate - fertility ie; offspring, a virtue in China. Boy holding the flowering branch in the arms of the woman - in the selection of officials through imperial examinations in feudal society, the winner of an official position is described as ' having picked the crown'. 'Gui' (sweet scented osmanthus) and 'gui' (high rank or official) are very close in sound Chinese. In this design the boy in the woman's arms is seen waving a sweet scented osmanthus, thus an auspicious message is delivered. Information from Dr Rachel Silberstein, visiting Associate Professor at Rhode Island School of Design. "This pair of sleeve bands are two halves of a scene known as "tian xian song zi" or "Heavenly immortals deliver a son". The historical origins of this saying is a story from 'The History of the Wei Imperial records', involving the Emperor Sheng and an immortal maiden who presents him with a son. After this, the expression "tian xian song zi" came to be used as good wishes for marriage, closely associated with 'qilin song zi' (the qilin delivers a son), another popular topic in nianhua popular prints". Both cuffs show figures in an outdoor setting, done in colourful silk thread on a ivory satin. Reading from the bottom to the top of the cuff both have pointed mountains, clouds and sea with a rhino horn and a 'rui' coming out of the waves. Left cuff: above the sea there are a fish/dragon and a flaming pearl. Next two male figures standing on a bridge. One holds a fan and the other is wearing a black hat. More flowers, peonies and blossoms are above the figures. Right cuff: Above the water and mountains is a bat, peonies and pomegranates. Above these are three figures and another bat. The figure in there rear holds a feathered fan, while the front figure holds a child, who is holding a flowering branch. Above the trio is a low pagoda and blossoms. Silk satin stitch, Pekin knots and couched gold metal thread.embroidery, garments, silk embroidery, china, landscape, garden, figures

Chinese sleeve embroidery bands, or wanxiu became popular in the late 19th century during the Qing Dynasty, evolving from the traditional Han cuff embroidery and Manchu styles. These detachable, decorated bands were added to women's informal jackets and robes, often featuring symbolic motifs like landscapes, flowers, and auspicious symbols. They served both a decorative function, displaying artistic skill and personal wishes, and a practical one by covering the sleeves when hands were folded at the waist. History and evolution: Origins: The practice of embroidering cuffs on robes existed during the previous Ming Dynasty for Han women, and this was adopted by the Manchu rulers who founded the Qing Dynasty. Qing Dynasty (1644-1911): The practice was popularized and elaborated upon during this era, with detachable bands becoming a fashionable element for informal wear. Symbolism: The embroidery included a complex visual vocabulary of wishes for a long life, many offspring, and a happy marriage, derived from nature, mythology, and classical literature. Functionality: Women would fold their arms, often with their hands inside the sleeves, so the embroidered bands, which were sewn to hang down the back of the jacket, would be displayed prominently down the front. 19th century peak: The late 19th century was the peak of their popularity, with intricate designs becoming fashionable and even influenced by court tastes, such as those favoured by the Empress Dowager Cixi. Later developments: The late 19th century saw the introduction of chemical 'aniline' dyes from Europe, leading to brighter, bolder colours in embroidery. Motifs and their Meanings: Auspicious symbols: Designs often included symbols for good fortune, wealth, and longevity. Natural imagery: Birds, flowers, and landscapes were common motifs that could represent natural beauty or convey specific symbolic meanings. Figurative scenes: Bands could also feature narrative scenes from classical stories or legends. The choice of motifs allowed women to express personal desires, cultural values, and aesthetic preferences, reflecting a more personal and informal style than official court attire. Looking at the cuffs from bottom to top: there is a rock formation, a zig zag fence and flowers (chrysanthemums and a branch with Buddha's hand citron). Next is a male figure carrying a halberd over his shoulder and surrounded by flowers, foliage and hillocks. Above are two more males in a boat. One is standing, the other kneeling. The one kneeling holds a bamboo pipe, while the one standing holds a branch with pomegranates. The men are surrounded by more flowers, foliage, rocks and bats . Three more figures come next. A male holding a fan, a woman holding a dish and another male. The woman on the left cuff holds a dish which appears to hold fruit, whereas the woman on the right cuff holds a dish containing a ? hat. Further up is a pagoda with a pomegranate tree and two more male figures. One holds the sacred fungus, the other a vase with a lotus flower. Finally there are two pagodas, leaves, flowers and clouds. Symbolism: Buddha's (foshou) hand citron. This plant derives it's name from the shape of the fruit, which is said to resemble Buddha's hand. 'Foshou' is used as a pun from blessings (fu) and longevity (shou). Chrysanthemum - longevity. Halberd - a spear like object symbolizing rank and military achievement. Halberd (ji) is a pun for rank (ji) and represents rapid promotion and doing well in officialdom or politics. Bamboo pipe or mouth organ (skeng) is a pun for giving birth (skeng). The image of a boy with a mouth organ implies the wish for a son. Pomegranate- symbolizes many sons (or possibly children). Boat - may be travelling from or to. Fan (shan)- longevity, and also a pun for goodness (shan). Boy pointing upwards (?to the sun) - may you rise in rank (zhri goosheng). The act of pointing at the sun is a pun for 'soon' (zhri). Fungus - resembles the head of a wish granting wand (ruyi) and has the same meaning of 'as you wish'. Lotus flower - (he) is a pun for harmony. Vase - (ping) a pun for peace (ping'an) therefore a vase with lotus - peace and harmony. These sleeve bands are more generic but they do convey a wish for many sons who will become officials and bring fortune. Dr Rachel Silberstein, visiting Associate Professor at Rhode Island School of Design.Pair of Chinese Sleeve bands using Pekin knots, satin stitch. Depicts an outdoor scene with pagodas, people, zig zag fences, boats and plants embroidered on a pale green silk ground. Both cuffs have been joined at the bottom.embroidery, garments, silk embroidery, china, sleeve bands, late 19th century, garden, figures

Label attached to record card states "Chinese Embroidery from the Royal Palace, Pekin J.M.S." Chinese sleeve embroidery bands, or wanxiu became popular in the late 19th century during the Qing Dynasty, evolving from the traditional Han cuff embroidery and Manchu styles. These detachable, decorated bands were added to women's informal jackets and robes, often featuring symbolic motifs like landscapes, flowers, and auspicious symbols. They served both a decorative function, displaying artistic skill and personal wishes, and a practical one by covering the sleeves when hands were folded at the waist. History and evolution: Origins: The practice of embroidering cuffs on robes existed during the previous Ming Dynasty for Han women, and this was adopted by the Manchu rulers who founded the Qing Dynasty. Qing Dynasty (1644-1911): The practice was popularized and elaborated upon during this era, with detachable bands becoming a fashionable element for informal wear. Symbolism: The embroidery included a complex visual vocabulary of wishes for a long life, many offspring, and a happy marriage, derived from nature, mythology, and classical literature. Functionality: Women would fold their arms, often with their hands inside the sleeves, so the embroidered bands, which were sewn to hang down the back of the jacket, would be displayed prominently down the front. 19th century peak: The late 19th century was the peak of their popularity, with intricate designs becoming fashionable and even influenced by court tastes, such as those favoured by the Empress Dowager Cixi. Later developments: The late 19th century saw the introduction of chemical 'aniline' dyes from Europe, leading to brighter, bolder colours in embroidery. Motifs and their Meanings: Auspicious symbols: Designs often included symbols for good fortune, wealth, and longevity. Natural imagery: Birds, flowers, and landscapes were common motifs that could represent natural beauty or convey specific symbolic meanings. Figurative scenes: Bands could also feature narrative scenes from classical stories or legends. The choice of motifs allowed women to express personal desires, cultural values, and aesthetic preferences, reflecting a more personal and informal style than official court attire. Pagoda: an omen of good. Two birds (possibly swallows): an omen approaching spring and also of approaching success. Rooster: a symbol of high rank (it's comb/crown (jinguan) is a pun for 'official' guan). Peony: a symbol of wealth. Deer (lu): means wealth and prosperity. Willow: a symbol of spring (chun). Willows with apricot blossoms (xinghuo), willlows (liu) and swallows (yan) symbolizes 'may you attend the spring banquet in the apricot grove (xinglin chunyan), or may you become a successful candidate. Pine: longevity. Mouth organ (sheng): is a pun for giving birth or 'to rise' as in rising in rank.Meaning : this pair of sleeve bands may have been wishing the owner of them good luck, success in an upcoming exam and that he may rapidly rise in rank, live a long life and continue to receive an official salary. Information from 'Hidden Meaning in Chinese Art' Terese Tse BartholomewFine white satin edged in shades oft blue silk flower embroidery. A fine example of Pekin knot stitch outlined with gold thread showing traditional Chinese motifs and figures. From bottom to top there is an outdoor scene with water and a building. Above this are flowers, hills, a rock formation, a pine and an animal (? pig or deer). Another building, blossoms and pine trees and a pot containing a cypress tree. Above the tree there is a male figure holding a bamboo pipe in one hand and a bird in the other. Further buildings follow, with a willow tree and two swallows flying.embroidery, garments, silk embroidery, late 19th century, china, trees, animals, pagoda

Symbolism: Fish - abundance. Scrolls- happiness and prosperity. Fan - longevity. Chrysanthemum - longevity. Because these skirts were worn under knee length jackets , the embroidery only came up to where it would meet the bottom of the jacket. 'Chinese Dress from the Qing Dynasty to the Present' 2008 Valery Garrett. Symbolism - from C.A.S.Williams ' Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs' 2006 and 'Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art'2006 Terese Tse Bartholomew.Cyclamen coloured, self patterned silk damask skirt with godets bordered in mid blue and lined with aqua silk. It has a wide cotton waist band with a loop at each end. The band was made in cotton (or hemp) to stop the skirt from slipping down. It was fastened by means of a tie or button. The skirt has a wide front panel embroidered with slowers in shades of blue and white, the central flower, a peony, is in a vase or urn. There are varius symbols inthe embroidery surrounding the central flower. Machine embroidered braid forms a border around this central area and beyond this is another hand embroidered border on white with blue and flesh coloured pink flowers. The godets have small embroidered motifs of fish, scrolls, fans and chrysanthemums. Embroidered in Pekin knot stitch outlined in metal thread. Pound sign 5-15-0 written in pencil on waistband.embroidery, garment, silk embroidery, china, 19th century

Symbolism: Woman with a fan (shan) - a symbol of longevity and a pun for goodness. Gourds: fertility and good fortune. Peony: wealth and honour (fugui). Blossoms: bring forth fruit and therefore bring forth prosperity. Meander pattern: represents longevity.Lemon silk skirt lined with coral coloured silk. There is a broad cotton waist band with loops at each end, through which a tie would have been used to fasten the skirt. The reason for the cotton at the top was so that it didn't slip, as silk would have done. There is a central front panel bordered in black satin. within this is an embroidered floral and 'meander' or Greek key pattern. The 'meander' pattern is done in couched goldwork. Within this is another border of embroidered, machine made braid. The central motif of two women in a garden setting is embroidered on silk mesh and appliqued onto the background fabric. One of the women holds a fan, the other has her arms raised up and she bends slightly forward. Behind the woman with the fan there a is a little fence/bridge. To the left of the other woman is what appears to be a vase with a flower, next to what may be a gourd shaped vase. Worked in Pekin knot stitch and couched gold.embroidery, garment, silk embroidery, oriental, 19th century, china