Carrier, Luggage/shawl

Carrier, Luggage/shawl

Woman's apron/cape of indigo cotton with ornate hand embroidered and applique decoration. The band at the top is decorated with yellow burgundy black and white strips of cloth with saw-toothed white applique on burgundy ground. The body is adorned with patches of cross-stitched embroidery and bold applique patterns of symmetrical shapes with many lobes and curlicues. The body is edged on 3 sides with a border of red black and white cloth stripes. The cross-stitch embroidery is horizontal/vertical which follow the warp and weft of the cloth with a lacy effect in blue white green burgundy and pale yellow. Motifs drawn from the 5 standard Mien patterns; the thread used is either pearl cotton crotchet thread embroidery floss or weaving threads with a sheen. As far as can be ascertained there is no mythical or religious significance to the patterns. Hand-made by Mien women. An ornate apron/cape is worn for weddings and other special occassions. A simpler version is used as a baby carrying cloth. See page 30 of Pien Fa Hang Collection portfolio.

1983.052.005