Embroidered textile
Name/Title
Embroidered textileEntry/Object ID
2024.9.8Description
Miao embroidered textile with panels of various curvilinear geometric motifs, with each panel separated by an embroidered strip of purple fabric. Central motif is the Jiyu bird, a legendary creature in Miao folklore. The stitch used to fill the areas inside couched motifs, which looks a bit like a French knot, is the Miao double-twist knot stitch, a stitch unique to the Miao. The outline couching is made with wrapped threads (gimp). Both stitch types are highly decorative and durable at the same time.Textile Type
Embroidered PanelUse
Important decorative section on a festival costume sleeve.Context
Miao embroidered motifs act as a language, which can be used to identify distinctive subgroups, as there is no Miao written language. Brightly colored threads made of silk, cotton, and sometimes horsehair, are used to adorn textiles with geometric motifs often relating to the natural world. Miao embroidery techniques are highly complicated, often using complex stitches and dimensional designs, with girls learning the craft from their mothers at a young age. Miao embroidery utilizes abstract imagery next to more familiar motifs like flowers, fish, and butterflies. The double-twist knot stitch is made by twisting double loops together without securing with an actual knot. It is generally used in a cluster and held together by an outlining couching stitch. This is one of the most sophisticated techniques used by the Miao. Before stitching begins, a paper template may be applied to the fabric panel, stabilized with bamboo sticks, and then the design would be outlined over the paper using couched wrap thread.Category
Embroidery
Acquisition
Accession
2024.9Acquisition Method
PurchaseMade/Created
Time Period
20th CenturyPlace
Village
Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous PrefectureProvince
GuizhouCountry
ChinaContinent
AsiaEthnography
Cultural Region
Country
ChinaContinent
AsiaCulture/Tribe
Miao People