Pleat Embroidered Miao Baby Carrier
BCM -42 Butterfly-Mama
An exceptionally fine example of pleat embroidery created in Xijiang Village, know as the 1.000 Miao Village, in Leishan County, SE Guizhou Province, SW China. Eight to twelve strands of silk were braided using a wooden tool. The braid was next attached to the red silk back ground in a pleated fashion to create the 3-D effect. The central theme is "Wudian Mama" or mother butterfly from whose eggs all creatures, including the Miao ancestors, appeared according to tradition. The side borders are both hand embroidered panels and hand woven tapes. The top square has old Wang Shitai Chinese Coins dating from early 20th Century. Copper sequins and gold foil have also been added. The embroidered pieces are attached to hand woven cotton which has been indigo dyed. The Miao owner of this baby carrier said that it was 80 years old.
27" x 21.5"
$500
