Miss Bostock, Foundation member of the EGV, travelled to England and met with The Hon. Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth of Gawthorpe Hall. Rachel "cut" off many pieces from her extensive lace collection, along with this embroidery which were gifted to the EGV.Dark blue silk bound with paler blue. Chinese embroidery floral design with couched gold and a silk bird at the top.metal thread embroidery, embroidery, furnishings, silk embroidery, china, bird, phoenix, flowers

Two identical shaped pieces of Chinese embroidery on black silk with terracotta centres edged with metallic gold thread and tamboured design in brown, gold, pink and aqua. Probably from a garment.embroidery, china, metal thread, tambour

Traditional Chinese shaped scissors, simple and functional design creating symmetrical, hard wearing scissors which can be used but left and right handed people. Traditional Chinese shaped scissors, simple and functional design creating symmetrical, hard wearing scissors which can be used but left and right handed people. Chinese embroidery scissors, cane bound handles. Made of iron with welded steel cutting edges to blades. Pivot acttion. Handles expandablescissors, china, embroidery

In Chinese embroidery, the crane (He, 鹤) is a powerful symbol of longevity, wisdom, immortality, and good fortune, often depicted with other auspicious motifs like peaches, pine, or bamboo to enhance these meanings, and historically used on civil officials' rank badges (buzi) to denote high rank and virtue, reflecting aspirations for a long, prosperous, and wise life, linked to Daoist immortals and heavenly ascent. Black satin with rich silk embroidery around the hem, which means it may have been made for a lady of high rank. Circular motifs of cranes and storks. Probably made for a pregnancy. Bright blue lining.embroidery, silk embroidery, garments, china, oriental

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.Yellow silk satin, silk embroidery depicting birds and flowers in bright blues, greens, mauve, orange and pinks.embroidery, garments, silk embroidery, china, late 19th century, flowers, garden, bird

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.Pair of sleeve bands with embroidered butterflies worked in satin stitch. Ivory satin background and embroidered in silk thread silk embroidery, china, butterflies, sleeve band

Butterfly is a symbol of happiness and conjugal bliss. Peonies - flowers of happiness. 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.Old gold satin embroidered with blue flowers and leaves in silks. Butterflies worked in mauve, green, blue, cream, burgundy and aquamarine.embroidery, garments, silk embroidery, china, oriental, butterflies, flowers

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

Red satin, embroidered with shades of blue silks. Border of braid and black satin.embroidery, panel, silk embroidery, china, oriental

"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

Used in theatricals of the period, and originally part of a blouse. "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.Red silk with white twisted silk embroidery of a garden and pagodas and 2 men with swords and pitchfork, and a floral border at base. embroidery, garments, silk embroidery, china, 1920-40, oriental

Giang-seng & Co. (made for European market)Orange satin uppers with embroidered flowers, birds, butterflies and insects. Edged with black, around top. soles are stitched leather.embroidery, slippers, silk embroidery, china, late 20th century

Chinese embroidered panel/hanging, couched gold and silk embroidery in two shades of purple silk. Not in Location: C7 BM10embroidery, china, oriental, silk embroidery, furnishings

Three pieces of an embroidered Chinese jacket. Black silk fabric very thickly covered with rows of couched threads, both gold and silk. Design contains traditional Chinese symbols - wave, swastika etc. Lined with blue silk. embroidery, china, silk embroidery, oriental, garments

7 circular pieces and 2 half circles. Black silk fabric with couched embroidery in gold and coloured threads. Each motif has a dragon in the centre. Lined with blue silk.embroidery, china, silk embroidery, oriental, garments

Purchased in Macau for the Guild by Lady Amies on a trip to South East Asia in June 1972. From the Peoples' Republic of China.Rank badge depicting birds and flowers. The central bird motif is embroidered in silk thread. Remainder of design is worked in gold thread couched with red silk thread. embroidery, china, silk embroidery, oriental, badge

The textile is part of a large and significant collection of items donated by Rosemary Vaughan-Smith, past member and office-bearer of the Kew Historical Society. between 2005-12. The collection includes costumes, scrapbooks, autograph books, artworks and objects.Multi-coloured silk embroidery on a deep pink silk backing fabric of vines, flowers and leaves, featuring a central embroidered medallion of pheasants amongst wisteria blossoms. textiles - embroideries, vaughan-smith collection, embroidery -- china

Gold embroidery on blue silk. Woven braid edging. Two pieces joined in the middle. Mounted on black silk.embroidery, china, metal thread, oriental, garments, garden, trees, pagoda, figures

Two blue silk panels with mirror image designs of phoenix and chrysanthemums. Metal thread, gold couched in orange, red, cream and turquoise silk. Selvedge and hemmed edges.embroidery, china, metal thread, silk embroidery, oriental, panels, phoenix, crysanthemum

Acquired by friends of the donor who were missionaries in China.Bound piece from Chinese Mandarin's robe. Silk and gold embroidery on green silk. It has a number of symbolic motifs and a major sized 4 fringed dragon which denotes a person of high rank. Piece is bound with black silk.embroidery, china, garments, silk embroidery, early 19th century, dragon

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

Purchased at a flea market in New York, September 2004Black silk uppers, lined in blue cotton, and stiffened with a small amount of quilting. Lower edge embroidered in silk with multicoloured flowers, leaves, 2 birds and ribbons. Shoes show some wear. Maybe they were for a child, or an adult with bound feet.shoes, silk embroidery, oriental, china, embroidery

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.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.Mid green silk embroidered with a variety of coloured silk threads and some metal thread.embroidery, garments, china, mid 19th century, figures, fish, turtle, sea

Embroidered dragon on pale gold silk in shades of green in a variety of stitches.embroidery, silk, china

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

Bought for the Guild by Lady Amies on a trip to South East Asia in June 1972Background beige silk. A domestic scene depicting houses, bridge, trees and plants. Around the circular edge are flowers alternating with a geometrical design, gold thread couched down. Lining - green rayon fabric. Of the late Manchu period. A birthday gift panel.embroidery, mat, china-taiwan, silk embroidery, oriental