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Unknown Maker, Chinese

Pair of sleeve bands

Maker

Unknown Maker, Chinese

Culture

Chinese

Title

Pair of sleeve bands

Year

1800s

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

silk

Dimensions

77.5 cm (30 1/2 inches) (length)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Miss Lucy T. Aldrich

Object Number

34.730

Type

Exhibition History

Off the Cuff
Chinese Embroidered Sleeve Bands
Mar 15, 1996 – Jun 09, 1996

Label copy

Both sets of sleeve bands in this case are ornamented with auspicious symbols of the

Chinese desire for many offspring. The medallions that decorate the bands on the left

encircle the mythical beast known as the qi-lin. The qi-linis the symbol of a large family

of children, particularly sons. The bands on the right are ornamented with symbols of a

happy and fruitful marriage. The magpies are an emblem of conjugal bliss, the red peony

at times represented a woman's sexuality, and the lily was often presented to a young

woman on her wedding or birthday to symbolize the wish for many sons.

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Chinese
Pair of sleeve bands, 1800s
silk
77.5 cm (30 1/2 inches) (length)
Gift of Miss Lucy T. Aldrich 34.730

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