In Chinese embroidery, the combination of bats, peacocks, and peony roses creates a rich tapestry of highly auspicious symbols, primarily associated with wishes for happiness, wealth, beauty, and high rank. When these motifs appear together, as they often do in intricate antique textiles or Mandarin squares, they collectively represent a desire for a life filled with wealth, prestige, and abundant happiness. Magenta brocade with embroidered motifs of bats, peacocks and peony roses in coloured silks using satin stitch. Jacket is edged with a band of black silk embroidered with blue peony roses.embroidery, silk embroidery, oriental, garments, 1900-20, china

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

White china gravy boat with blue floral pattern on exterior, extending from rim to around 1/3 down the side, and leaf pattern on rounded handle. Large spout or lip for pouring. Some blue marks on inside.Maker's mark on base, circular stamp with female figure in centre. 'PEONY' printed at top, '… Pottery Coy Ltd. Glasgow' printed around circle, some missing because of bad printing. 'Made in Scotland' at bottom.domestic items, food & drink consumption, gravy, boat, container, blue and white, china, peony, scotland, glasgow

The Villa Alba Restoration Fund was established by the Villa Alba Preservation Committee. As part of a fundraising activity, they commissioned Suzie Dickson to photograph six panels in the Upper Hall that had been uncovered to date by conservators. The dado panels extend along the entire upper hall. Many are still to be restored.Peonies - No. 6 in a series of dado panels to the Upper Hall, Villa Alba Museum, Kew.villa alba museum - kew (vic), interior design - 19th century, paterson brothers - decorators - melbourne, signor rizzi - artist, villa alba preservation committee

According to the donor this is Indian work on madras silk.Red silk background embroidered in an all over design of peonies and butterflies in shades of blues, greens and yellows.embroidery, garments, silk embroidery, oriental, india

Purchased by Mr. & Mrs. H. N. Lord in Japan in 1960. The Japanese word for cloisonne ware is SHIPPO or seven treasured ware. It is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects. The resulting objects can also be called cloisonné. The decoration is formed by first adding compartments or cells to the metal object. This is done by soldering or sticking silver or gold wires or thin strips placed on edge. These are visible in the finished piece, separating the different compartments. Coloured enamel is the usual filling for the cells. Cloisonné enamel objects are worked on with enamel powder made into a paste, which then is fired in a kiln. In older times inlays of cut gemstones were often used. They were decorated with geometric or schematic designs, with thick cloison walls. Pale blue Japanese Cloisonne vase with peony flower design in pink and white with green leaves on black wooden stand. vases

Butterfly is a symbol of happiness and conjugal bliss. Peonies - flowers of happiness.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

Purchased in Singapore circa 1920 and believed to be old then. Never been worn.A pair of sleeve bands. Embroidered in gold metallic thread on blue silk fabric in a pattern of peonies, bats and other auspicious symbols.embroidery, metal thread, embroidery, garments, japan

Large blue and white china jug with handle, from wash set, floral peony design with small amount of gilding, fluted top.domestic equipment, ablutions, water jug

Traditional motifs like peonies and birds (phoenix or rooster) represent cultural symbols of prosperity and beauty.Silk satin stitch on black cotton in pale greens, peach and shades of pink and red. Floral pattern with central symbolic bird. Three tassels hanging from lower edge - two green and one beige. Floral printed cotton hanging bands and backing.

Traditional motifs like peonies and birds (phoenix or rooster) represent cultural symbols of prosperity and beauty.Silk satin stitch on black cotton in pale greens, peach and shades of pink and red. Floral pattern with central symbolic bird. Three tassels hanging from lower edge - two green and one pink. Floral printed cotton hanging bands and backing.

Traditional embroidery (chasu) in Korea has a history of more than 2,000 years. Since prehistoric times, the need for sewing led ancient Koreans to use needles made from fish or other animal bones to weave animal skin, tree bark and leaves. After society got more advanced, chasu was introduced as a method of adding colour and detail.Silk embroidery of a pair of peacocks under cherry blossom and peonies. Cream silk background with colourful satin stitch embroidery using silk threads.Four characters - Chinese 'Hanzi' or Korean 'Hanja'

Bought by donor in Hong Kong in 1983Cream silk mat with blue silk embroidery in a traditional Chinese design with peonies, bats and plum blossoms. The border is made of two rows of woven braid.embroidery, silk embroidery, oriental, mats, 1960-80, china

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.

Marian Jenkins married Richard Henry Hinde in 1886Photo Frame (includes a photo of Marion Hinde see NA2376 Wedding Dress). Frame is of a raised silver design with silver peacocks in a garden with pink peonies, green leaves and silver rock edged by bamboo. NP124 photo, ND1729 Marriage Certificate, ND1730 Correspondence.

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

Blotter paper advertising Meurer's electroplating and enamelling works, 194 Mundy Street, Bendigo, tel. 203. Old teapots, cruets, hot water jugs, bowls, jardinières, ornaments, etc. Re-silvered or plated to look like new. On the left a drawing of a young lady in her graduation gown with a bunch of peonies.bendigo, business, meurer