Pair of Chinese Embroidered Sleevebands with Blue Peonies
OwnerOwned by
James Cromar Watt
(Aberdeen, Scotland, 1862 - 1940)
DateQing Dynasty, 19th century
Object NameSleevebands
Mediumsilk and silk thread
ClassificationsTextiles
DimensionsSleeveband 1: 122 x 8.4cm
Sleeveband 2: 121 x 8.4cm
Sleeveband 2: 121 x 8.4cm
AcquisitionJames Cromar Watt Bequest, 1941.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS089839
About MeA pair of pale blue silk sleevebands form a Chinese robe, which have been embroidered with silk threads. The sleevebands depict flowers, mainly peonies, which represent royalty, virtue and honour, within Chinese culture and butterflies, which symbolise joy.
The needlework is particularly fine and has been sewn in satin stitch.
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, 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
possibly early 20th Century
Qing Dynasty, Guangxu Period, 1875-1908
