This style of rule was very popular in the 1930s and 1940 and was a necessity in any tradesman or handyman's tool kit. It was donated to our Society by Ray Fischer of Barnawartha near Wodonga. Rabone & Sons were a long established rule manufacturer. Michael Rabone carried on a business as a rule maker at 8 Snow Hill, Sheffield, England from about 1780. The business was continued by John Rabone and his (John's) grandson, Eric Rabone. It operated under the name of John Rabone & Sons from 1784 -1953, becoming a public company in 1948. The company's headquarters were in Birmingham, England. Lasting through to the early 1960s as an independent family business, the company merged with James Chesterman and Co of Sheffield.This rule was donated by a member of the Wodonga district from his farm workshop.A brass 24" folding ruler made by J. Rabone & Sons, Birmingham, England. It is marked No. 1243. It consists of two twelve inch sections, hinged at one end.J. RABONE & SONS BIRMINGHAM NO> 1243j. rabone & sons, carpenters' tools

Used within the Nicholls family.A wooden carpenter's ruler folds into four nine-inch sections with precision made brass hinges.Paper label inscribed 'Please keep. Donated by Harry Nicholls. woodwork, carpentry, rulers, measurement

Mrs G. I. McCabe invented the ruler around 1930 in Sydney NSW and founded several branches of the McCabe academy of Dressmaking based on its use in Australia and London.A light coloured 'McCabe Faultless System of Cutting', dressmaker's folding, wood and metal ruler, Australia, 1950 - 1970. One side has six proportions for cutting bodices, the back has measurements for cutting coat and blouse sleeves only, as well as 12 inches markings. Copyright patented details are stamped onto the back side in black, as well as all measurements. 'McCabe Faultless System of Cutting' as well as many detailed measurements for dressmaking. 'Copyright Patented No 6783 54637' is stamped on the back. 'Patented Com No 6783 N.Z No 54637' is tam[ed on the front top.dressmaking equipment, sewing equipment, measuring instrument, measuring rulers

This measuring ruler was used in the planning and making of components for the ship model Sovereign of the Seas. It is part of a collection of objects used by Jim Williams, maker of fine ship models from about 1930-1955. Most of the components for the models, as well as many of the tools, were handmade by Jim Williams. Jim’s family has donated the ship model “Sovereign of the Seas” and many tools, accessories and documents used in the making of this and other ship models have been donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Ship model of HMS Sovereign of the Seas, scale model of 17th Century English war ship, was handmade and carved from plans, enclosed in airtight glass case. All components of that model, including even the smallest pulleys, were hand crafted using tools designed and made by Jim. Outstanding details include functional rigging and moving cannons. Please see our record 3732 of the mode Sovereign of the Seas for further details of the ship and the maker. This ruler is connected with the hobby and skill of ship model making that has been crafted as a leisure activity for many generations. The hobby is often chosen by serving and retired mariners who appreciate the connection with maritime history. This ruler was used by local Warrnambool man, Jim Williams, who was employed at Cramond and Dickson clothing store, and then at Fletcher Jones menswear for 27 years. It was used in making components for the model of the historic ship, the Sovereign of the Seas. The Sovereign of the Seas was a historic 17th century English war ship with important maritime heritage. Ruler; folding wooden ruler, 36 inches long. Two small notches match with tiny pins when folded. This ruler is part of a collection of tools and accessories once used by Jim Williams, maker of a series of ship models 1930-1955 including “HMS Sovereign of the Seas”. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, ship model sovereign of the seas, jim williams, james bernard williams, ship model hobby, ship model tools, ship model making equipment, ship model making accessories, measuring instrument, ruler, folding ruler, sovereign of the sea, ship model, hobby, ship model tool, english war ship

This measuring ruler was used in the planning and making of components for the ship model Sovereign of the Seas. It is part of a collection of objects used by Jim Williams, maker of fine ship models from about 1930-1955. Most of the components for the models, as well as many of the tools, were handmade by Jim Williams. Jim’s family has donated the ship model “Sovereign of the Seas” and many tools, accessories and documents used in the making of this and other ship models have been donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Ship model of HMS Sovereign of the Seas, scale model of 17th Century English war ship, was handmade and carved from plans, enclosed in airtight glass case. All components of that model, including even the smallest pulleys, were hand crafted using tools designed and made by Jim. Outstanding details include functional rigging and moving cannons. Please see our record 3732 of the mode Sovereign of the Seas for further details of the ship and the maker. This ruler made by instrument makers J Rabone and Sons of Birmingham, is connected with the hobby and skill of ship model making that has been crafted as a leisure activity for many generations. The hobby is often chosen by serving and retired mariners who appreciate the connection with maritime history. This ruler was used by local Warrnambool man, Jim Williams, who was employed at Cramond and Dickson clothing store, and then at Fletcher Jones menswear for 27 years. It was used in making components for the model of the historic ship, the Sovereign of the Seas. The Sovereign of the Seas was a historic 17th century English war ship with important maritime heritage. Ruler, folding, wooden with brass hinges. Maker J. Rabone & Sons, Birmingham. Model No. 1375. It is warranted to be made of Boxwood. Length is 24 inches, divided into 1/8th inches on one side and 1/16th inches on the other side. This ruler is part of a collection of tools and accessories once used by Jim Williams, maker of a series of ship models 1930-1955 including “HMS Sovereign of the Seas”.“J RABONE & SONS / BIRMINGHAM”, “WARAND BOXWOOD”, “NO 1375”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, ship model sovereign of the seas, jim williams, james bernard williams, ship model hobby, ship model tools, ship model making equipment, ship model making accessories, measuring instrument, ruler, folding ruler, j rabone and sons of birmingham england, ruler model 1375, sovereign of the sea, ship model, hobby, ship model tool, english war ship, j rabone and sons

Steel folding ruler with two arms, and markings for measurements with brass tips, and a round metal connector.Measurement markingsfolding rules

1. Wooden Spirit level with brass fittings and 2 foot ruler. 2. Metal Carpenters folding ruler.carpentry tools, spirit levels, folding rules

12 inch folding wooden ruler, with brass ends, and brass connecting screw.Rabone No. 1150folding rules

24 inch/ 2 foot folding wooden ruler, with Spirit Level on one arm.Rabone No. 1190folding rules, spirit levels

Wandin Thomas Sebire JP (1867-1960) learnt boot-making as a young man. In a small workshop on his property in Sebire Avenue, Wandin he made boots for family, friends & neighbours. He also repaired boots & made other small leather articles. Bootmaking is a complex process requiring a variety of tools. The leather is cut to shape, glazed & burnished (polished) with heated irons. The pieces are stretched onto, & nailed to, a wooden last to form the boot. Once attached to the insole, the boot is finished on a metal last. Uppers are stitched with waxed thread through holes made with an awl. Heels comprise pieces nailed together & neatened with a heel shave. Metal plates, short nails or hob nails driven into the sole & heel, often in a pattern, improved durability.Wooden, folding, foot measure/ruler with brass clasps.bootmaking tools, measures, rulers

The Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection provides invaluable insight into life in late nineteenth and early twentieth century north east Victoria. The collection comprises manuscripts, personal artefacts used by the Haeusler family on their farm in Wodonga, and a set of glass negatives which offer a unique visual snapshot of the domestic and social lives of the Haeusler family and local Wodonga community. The Haeusler family migrated from Prussia (Germany) to South Australia in the 1840s and 1850s, before purchasing 100 acres of Crown Land made available under the Victorian Lands Act 1862 (also known as ‘Duffy’s Land Act’) in 1866 in what is now Wodonga West. The Haeusler family were one of several German families to migrate from South Australia to Wodonga in the 1860s. This ruler belonged to Louis Haeusler (b.1878) and is one of the many objects in the Haeusler Collection that represent home and farm life in early twentieth century Wodonga.This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of domestic and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.Wooden fold out carpenter ruler with bendable brass hinges and imperial measurements engraved into the wood. Imperial measurements (inches) engraved on arms of ruler. carpentry, carpenter, woodwork, wood, ruler, building, diy, wodonga, farm, haeusler collection

Wooden sliding ruler used to measure the length of folded bolts of cloth. Ruler is diamond shaped with numbers on the four sides. Sliding arm has numbers on the metal and the arm itself.Putnams Cloth Chart Copyrighted 1898. Patent pending

Ward Brothers (George and Samuel) registered a company (Australian Sewing Machines Limited Pty Ltd) with the head office address in Errol St, North Melbourne, and Prahan. The earliest newspaper advertisement for this company was in 1897. Around this time the Ward Brothers first imported sewing machines from England and Wertheim placed their decal on them and mounted them in their own Australian made cabinets. David Ward later imported machines from Beisolt & Locke in Germany and registered name  A.N.A. (All Native Australian), his shop was in Collingwood Melbourne. Some of these machines had Ward Brothers decals on them as well. The three brothers sold under the same name as Ward Brothers. The early Ward Brothers logo had a map of Australia with a picture of all three brothers on it. In 1911 all three of the Ward Brothers decided to share a stall in the yearly Melbourne exhibition. The A.N.A was the machine that got rave reviews. It was at this time that the Australian Sewing Machine Company Pty Ltd decided to add the A.N.A logo to their logo to cash in on the new found celebrity status that the A.N.A has gained. To cut a long story short. David Ward took his brothers to court to prevent this from happening. This was a long drawn out affair that took quite a few years. The settlement was decided out of court and nothing was disclosed of the deal that was made. David seemed to have left the scene, then the remaining Ward Brothers and A.N.A. combined and then became “Wardana”. There are many Ward Brothers sewing machines in displays, they originated from Japan, England, America, and Germany. It seems that where ever they got the best deal for sewing machines or parts is the direction they went. This is where the Bendigo sewing machine company came into the picture. All imported sewing machines into Australia drew a government tax. Bendigo Cording's Traction Company was given proposed two-pound tariff protection that gave the company a significant price advantage for its machines. As a result, the Ward Brothers purchased a huge number of Bendigo shares to get cheaper machines for their sewing machine cabinets. Ward Brothers then placed one of their company officials on the Board of “Bendigo Sewing Machines Limited” and the rest is history. Ward Brothers had shops Australian wide and in most of the major country towns. History for “Bendigo Sewing Machines Limited”     Cordings Traction Company owners (H. Keck MLC, W. Wallace, and W. Ewing) operated their business out of the former W. Webb & Co. building in Queen St. Bendigo. Around 1923-1924 they decided to switch from traction engines to manufacturing sewing machines. The actual date is not known but that year's financial report made note of both Cordings and Bendigo Sewing Machines Limited. The switch was made with the government of the day agreeing to a tariff of two pounds per head for every machine head made completely in Australia. The change from traction engines to sewing machines went well. Government representatives visited the factory in Bendigo to inspect and ensure that the sewing machines were Australian made as a result they agreed on granting the two-pound tariff to the company. After the first 12 months, they built 30, the following 12 months the company had produced 1500 machines probably due to the involvement of the Ward brothers. However, the government proposed a new condition to the tariff agreement which was that the company must produce 20% of Australia's requirements for sewing machines. In 1924 after having had produced 1500 machines resulting in reaching their financial limit for tariff support. According to the government, the requirement was 15,000 machines for the next year had to be produced to qualify for the tariff. The company had already reached its production limit and unfortunately folded. There were several attempts to regain government assistance to save this new industry but it was to no avail. Even a promise to open another factory in Sydney was offered but unfortunately wasn't accepted. An item fabricated in Australia from a majority of imported parts from either Germany, America or England giving a snapshot into the early manufacturing industries that were operating at the time of Federation. Sewing machine, treadle, in timber cabinet. Branded Ward Bros, A.N.A., Australian Sewing Machine Coy. Decorative carved timber cabinet, hinged, fold-out laminated timber top and five drawers; two small on each side with handles and one long, shallow, between side drawers without handle. Thread is on bobbin in a rocket shuttle (both in good condition) plus spare empty shuttle (rusty). Brass ‘Half Yard’ ruler inlaid across front, measuring scale in inches and centimetres. Two metal shuttle cover plates (or throat plate / slide plate); front one is impressed with a gauge for needle and thread. Gold trim and decals on flatbed and machine front and back, serial number under shuttle cover, brand on decals and on round metal plate on back of machine. Front right of machine has a bobbin winder. Treadle belt shows signs of wear and laminate on timber machine cover is peeling slightly.Decal coat of arms on right front of machine: kangaroo on left, man with broad-brim hat, holding pick-axe on right, in centre, top “SEWING MACHINE / THE / A. N. A.” then below it, the rising sun, then below that is state of Victoria shield with the Southern Cross constellation. Wheat sheaves around edge on left and flowering plant on right. Gold ribbon banner at bottom with script “WARD BROS.“ Decal of map of Australia on flatbed of machine. States and capital cities are marked and named (no northern territory), portrait of two men. In centre of map are interwoven letters “A. N. A.” and written in script “WARD BROS.” Decal across front of machine body has large, decorated gold lettering “A. N. A.” Decal across the top of machine “THE AUSTRALIAN SEWING MACHINE COY. PTY. Ltd.” Steel shuttle cover at front has an impressed gage listing cotton and needle sizes and number of stitches. Brass disc on back of machine “A. N. A.” in centre. Brass ruler across front of machine has carved or pressed words in the timber. In centre “INCHES” above ruler and “CENTIMETRES” below ruler, and on right above ruler is “HALF YARD” Decal across back of machine’s body “A.N. A. / MADE IN U.S.A.” Stamped into metal under shuttle cover is “219415” (2 and 5 are partially there, first 1 could instead be a 7) flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, ward bros., australian sewing machine co., a.n.a., treadle sewing machine, rocket shuttle sewing machine, home industry, clothing, wardana, australian sewing machine company, all native australian, dressmaking, clothing manufacturer

This machine was made in Baden, Germany, for the Ward Brothers of Melbourne, who imported machines from various manufacturers and had them branded with their Ward Brothers decals. This machine is most likely dated before 1911, when the Ward Brothers became two separate businesses, as one of the decals appears to have been deliberately removed. The case is made in an attractive design and the machine itself has decorations that are pleasant to the eye. Even the metal cover of the folding handle has a swirling design on it. The machine has the added bonus of a ruler along the front base. Many sewing machine manufacturers in Germany produced their machines specifically for export. A company could mass-produce its machines and give the same product several different brand names, according to their overseas buyers. There was a huge market for domestic machines as it enabled tailored clothing to be made in households at a fraction of the retail prices. Ward Brothers began in Australia in the late 1890s and early sewing machines sold by them had the three brothers on their decals. In 1911 the brothers divided into two separate firms, one operating on his own, the other two remaining together, and all still operating in Melbourne and at first still using the name Ward Brothers.This sewing machine is one of two hand-operated Ward Brothers machines in our collection that were made in Baden, Germany, and the only one that has had the three Ward Brothers on its decal, and that has front and rear slide plates. This machine represents the early domestic market for sewing machines, making it possible for the everyday homemaker to produce fashionable garments and linen ware that was affordable. The owner of this machine could work at more than one location as it was portable and did not require a large space to set up. The machine is associated with the well-known Ward Brothers of Melbourne, who sold imported sewing machines that were branded with their own name. Sewing machine, hand operated, in wooden case. The machine is painted black with gold decals, and front and rear slide plates. The wooden base of the machine has an inlaid ruler. The case has curved sides and shaped ends, decorative woodwork on corners, an inlaid diamond pattern on top, and a folding metal handle. Accessories are included. The decals include doves, inscriptions and swirls, and there is a map of Australia with two portraits of men. The machine was made in Baden, Germany, for Ward Brothers, Melbourne. Images: Map of Australia with States marked, and with portraits of two men. [A portrait-sized area on the left of the men has had the image removed.] Text in printed script: "Specially / Made in Baden" "WARD BROTHERS / MELBOURNE" " with a Logo is a map of Australia,flagstaff hill, warrnambool, great ocean road, sewing machine, hand operated, pre-1911, domestic sewing, homemade clothing, fashion, ward brothers, made in germany, baden, front and rear slide plates, crank handle, hand crank sewing machine

Item/s in collection re B.J. Ruler VX40780 refer Cat No 5790 for his service details.Pugaree for slouch hat, on the folds are handwritten places where the owner has visited in Australia and overseas. Light-coloured khaki cottonHandwritten on the folds lines are numerous places.slouch hat, army, pugaree

Item/s in collection re B.J. Ruler VX40780 refer Cat No 5790 for his service detailsCardboard folded small calendar. Centre has month, dates printed in black, border has advertisement in red writing. Back has advertisement. Front “ Bernard Ruler Calendar for 1940” Back “ Crusader registered trade mark”calendar 1940, booklet

Item/s in collection re B. J. Ruler VX40780 refer Cat No 5790 for his service details.Handwritten letter cards, grey heavy paper with red printing and red stamp folded to form an envelope. The letter tells of current activities and when they will be on leave.Printed on front “ Price, Twopence halfpenny “. Letter ( Australian Coat of Arms) Card” Addressed to “Miss. M. Brennan” various addresses in Victoria.letter cards, letters, ww2

Item/s in this collection re B. J. Ruler VX40780 refer Cat. No. 5790 for his service details.Air mail letters and letter cards. Letter card single sheet of paper folded is 4 pages and forms an envelope. Letter writes about places, activities and people home ( Australia) and overseas.Handwritten envelopes addressed “Mrs. B. J. Ruler” various addresses in Victoria.letters, ww2

Part of the "Douglas Niven Dean" collection who served in the Siege of Tobruk.Cream colour cardboard strip, one edge has ruler markings up to 12 inches in red. Horizontal lines from middle to bottom with markings for heel flaps, ribbing, length of leg and toes. Cardboard folds into 3.On front: "MAKE YOUR SOCKS TO THE CORRECT MEASUREMENT". "THE AUSTRALIAN COMFORTS FUND", "OUR BOYS DESERVE THE BEST." rats of tobruk, ww2, sock measure, douglas niven dean

Original owner, Major John Charles Edward Douglas 400th Bn Yorkshire Regt who died aged 39 on Saturday 18th December 1915, Major Douglas was the son of Admiral Sir Archibald Douglas GCB, GCVO, LL.D, JP and Lady Douglas Barrister, Gray’s Inn. Remembered with with HONOR, Bailleul Communal cemetery Extentsion (Nord) Nard France 11.B.64.Rectangular wooden board, rotating metal bezel ring, markings, compass, clinometer, leather straps, graph paper, wooden ruler, with attached brass folding hinge.“Hawley sketch for Outpost Line”, “JCE Douglas Capt, 10th Yorkshire Regt May 17th 1915”equipment, maps

Equipment / Cartographic tools box. Enclosed in the base of the box is: - a. Parallel ruler 6", metal and brass. b. Feeler gauges 7 set. 60 x 10 mm. c. Pen ink, screw adjustable nib thickness, bone handle. d. Crow quill pen holder, plastic. e. Folding eye glass measuring (linen filter). Maker "Polychrome". 4 cm square. f. Plastic template various shapes. 60 X 95 mm. g. Repromat Registration studs set of 3. 20mm diameter. Stainless steel. h. Stainless steel, straight edge small. 38mm long. In lift out tray: - a. 2 X plastic scribing cutter holders, 3 leg fixed. b. Eye glass measuring "Leitz" WETZLAR, 45 mm High X 35 mm Dia. c. Jeweler screwdriver. 2 mm Blade. Moore & Wright, Sheffield, England. d. Black colored lead pencil. e. Pin vice. (Draughtsman's pricker) f. 4 X assorted paint brushes, artists. Built into the lid is a scribing tip holder with the capacity to hold 12 sapphire cutting tools: - a. 1 X 0.004" sapphire cutting tool. rasvy, royal australian army service corps, fortuna, army survey regiment, army svy regt, asr

Purchased in Illinois, USA, in the 1950s. Comes with instruction manual and additional blades, all of which appear unused. Made by Logan brand who are still in operation today. This is model 401 which is not manufactured currently.Black plastic and yellow plastic box with white foam-core base and side walls. Mat cutter is a black metal base/frame with horizontal ruler attached within. Steel handle at front with mounting area for blade. Blade is stored flat within base but can be turned to protrude through the bottom of the frame which allows it to cut carpet. 4 additional unused blades stored in small brown paper envelopes. Faded cream coloured single page paper folded instruction manual.

Foresters usually measure the diameter of trees at Breast Height – traditionally 4 foot, 6 inches – now 1.3 m – which is termed Diameter Breast Height Over Bark (DBHOB). Basal Area is the cross section of the tree trunk at breast height, and the sum for the stand or group of trees is expressed square feet per acre (after 1973 it was expressed in square metres per hectare). Lots of skinny trees, or a few fat ones, can have the same Basal Area, but when combined with the number of stems, Basal Area is a good indicator of stand density. Two common methods are used to measure of Basal Area – fixed area plots and angle count sampling. 1. Fixed area plots require setting out a small area, commonly 50 m x 20 m, and measuring all the trees at breast height, and doing some quick sums. 2. Angle count sampling involves a simple sweep of the forest from a fixed sampling point using a relascope, dendrometer sight, angle gauge, or glass wedge prism. This wooden builder's ruler has been shaped at one end to create a shallow angle (usually less than 3 degrees) when viewed through a peep-hole drilled in the other end. Standing in one spot, a sweep is made with the wedge held to the eye, and trees are counted as either “in” or “out”. The number of trees is multiplied by conversion factor of the wedge (10 in this case) to estimate basal area. It’s very quick and effective.Basal Area Angle Gauge The two ends fold up and one end (on the right) has been reduced in width to create a shallow angle for the viewer Home made by cutting down a wooden builder's ruler Many forestry students made their own Basal Area Angle Gauges and its thought this may be oneforest measurement, forests commission victoria (fcv)

An example of a wooden ruler with a timeless design used by generations of carpentersFolding carpenter's rule, graduated in inches and 1/8th inches, 24 inch total length#woodenruler, #carpentertools, #foldingruler

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.Two sleeve bands. Embroidered in coloured silk and gold metal thread. Motifs of lotus flowers, birds, swastikas and other flowers. Mostly satin stitch.embroidery, silk embroidery, japan, oriental, sleeve bands, garments

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 rich blue silk (figured) bands, 66 cm of which is heavily embroidered in couched gold metal threads in a swirling pattern, with coloured silk birds (18). There is a gold spray (floral) at the base of each band.embroidery, garments, silk embroidery, metal thread, chinese

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 silk panel with floral design - four circles surrounded by floral border. Blues, greens, pinks and cream silk in Pekin stitch bordered with fine couched gold passing thread. Traditional Chinese embroidered panel - possibly a sleeve band.