Textile Panel
ClassificationsTextiles-components-panels
Culture
Miao
Dateearly 20th Century
Made AtGuangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, Asia
Collection SiteChina, Asia
MediumCotton, silk, sequins and tin
Dimensions18 × 17 1/2 in. (45.7 × 44.5 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Long Shung and Anne Shih
Object number2015.9.14
DescriptionIt is likely that this panel was once part of a baby carrier or apron. Miao textiles are oftentimes reworked or reused in part or in their entirety in order to create new pieces. This panel might have been reworked at one time as a pillowcase for tourist consumption, but it is also possible that it is a woman’s undergarment. It features tin embroidery. Metal embroidery is known to be a time consuming technique practiced by only a few groups of Miao people. To achieve this technique, the traditional method is as follows: prior to dying, black stiches of geometric patterns are completed. Once a textile is dyed, fine metal strips are wrapped over and under existing stiches and trimmed and crimped to be held in place. No stitches are visible on the reverse of the textile. This panel appears to also have some plastic or streamer type materials stitched in to the fabric, suggesting modern applications of the traditional technique. Additionally, the mirrors that also decorate this panel speak to the Miao’s emphasis on adornment.On View
Not on view
