Pillow End
ca. 1880 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This embroidered woollen circle is one of a pair produced to be sewn at each end of a soft cylindrical pillow, the needlework providing stiffness and body. The upper end bears the Chinese character for long life, while the bottom one bears that of happiness. Five bats encircle each character; these represent the five blessings of long life, riches, health, love of virtue and a natural death. Long-life symbols and mandarin ducks were popular motifs on such objects, paired mandarin ducks signifying a wish for a happy marriage.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Wool, embroidered with coloured silks and metal thread |
| Brief description | Tex, Korea, embroidery |
| Physical description | The embroidered design consists of the Chinese character for 'Happiness' surrounded by a band of five bats and a further band of key fret pattern. Colour: Multi-coloured These were sewn to the ends of a pillow. The characters "壽"(su), meaning longevity, and "福"(bok), meaning luck, surrounded by five bats symbolizing good fortune are embroidered on cotton flannel. Cotton flannel started to be imported during the reign of King Gojong for the use of the royal family and wealthy people. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Credit line | Given by Thomas Watters Esq. |
| Object history | Given by Mr. Thomas Watters, accessioned in 1888. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project. |
| Summary | This embroidered woollen circle is one of a pair produced to be sewn at each end of a soft cylindrical pillow, the needlework providing stiffness and body. The upper end bears the Chinese character for long life, while the bottom one bears that of happiness. Five bats encircle each character; these represent the five blessings of long life, riches, health, love of virtue and a natural death. Long-life symbols and mandarin ducks were popular motifs on such objects, paired mandarin ducks signifying a wish for a happy marriage. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 1850A-1888 |
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| Record created | February 3, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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