Chinese Embroidered Sleeveband a Mandarin in a Garden
OwnerOwned by
James Cromar Watt
(Aberdeen, Scotland, 1862 - 1940)
DateQing Dynasty, 19th century
Object NameSleeveband
Mediumsilk, silk thread and metal thread
ClassificationsTextiles
DimensionsHeight: 96cm
Width: 9.2cm
Width: 9.2cm
AcquisitionJames Cromar Watt Bequest, 1941.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS089838
About MeA single pale duck egg blue silk satin sleeveband from a Chinese robe, which has been embroidered with silk and metallic threads. The sleeveband depicts four Chinese male figures, surrounded by various motifs, including cloud, rock, peach, pavilion, pine tree and flowers. The embroidery is imbued with a rich symbolism as each motif is chosen carefully for what it represents within Chinese culture. The peach represents longevity and immortality, the pine tree also represents longevity, while clouds are said to symbolise the celestial realm, inhabited by gods.
The needlework is particularly fine in this example, which has been sewn with a number of stitches, including couching and the Peking Knot. (Peking is now Beijing).
Knotted stitches are used extensively in Chinese embroidery. The Peking Knot is also known as the Forbidden Knot. It was so called, according to legend, because it was forbidden for young girls to work the stitch as it might cause eyestrain, ruining their futures as needlewomen.
As trade with the West increased during the late 19th and early 20th centuries many Chinese people rejected traditional dress for Western fashions. Pieces of embroidery like this sleeveband would have been detached from the main garment and sold to collectors.
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Jiaqing Period, 1796-1820
James Cromar Watt
Ming Dynasty, 1522 - 1619
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, 1736 - 1795
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 18th - 19th century
