Not currently on display at the V&A

Sleeveband

19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
China (made)

Matching pair of sleevebands. Cream-coloured satin, with a mid-blue crossways satin binding down the outside edge of each band, and applied to this a narrow braid in green and pink. The bottom section of each facing is decorated with Chinese poems (see 'Marks and Inscriptions' for translations) embroidered in black. The poems are enclosed in medallions outlined with gold couching. Around the medallions there is blue diamond trellis embroidery couched with small sequins, and a key-fret border in gold couching.
At present the two pieces are joined vertically, but may originally have been separate sleevebands.


Object details

Category
Textiles
Object type
Sleeveband
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Sleeveband
  • Sleeveband
Materials and techniques
Embroidered silk satin
Silk (Textile)
Silk Thread
Metal Thread
Satin Weave
Embroidering
Brief description
Pair of matching sleevebands, blue silk satin with embroidered silk decorations and inscriptions, China, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Physical description
Matching pair of sleevebands. Cream-coloured satin, with a mid-blue crossways satin binding down the outside edge of each band, and applied to this a narrow braid in green and pink. The bottom section of each facing is decorated with Chinese poems (see 'Marks and Inscriptions' for translations) embroidered in black. The poems are enclosed in medallions outlined with gold couching. Around the medallions there is blue diamond trellis embroidery couched with small sequins, and a key-fret border in gold couching.
At present the two pieces are joined vertically, but may originally have been separate sleevebands.
Dimensions
  • Both bands length: 101cm
  • Both bands width: 10.5cm
Style
Qing
Marks and inscriptions
(Poems written on the sleevebands.)
Translation
The court is accustomed to receiving new and precious horses, The drooping almond blossom is brushed away by young people. For a hundred compassionate years the spring bamboos have been eternally radiant, Over nine wan* a subtle perfume gives a deep impression of fragrance. *A wan is equivalent to approximately two hectares. Birds and fairies make clear music on the jade yue, Flowers drip heavenly scented wine into precious vats. The vermillion courtyard is in confusion with the scattered sounds of footsteps, The heavenly road is softly embroidered with a pattern of horses and chariots. The single mass of pink almond blossoms stretching for a thousand li, Appears to rush past in the distance; my horse seems to fly.
Credit line
Given by Mr. John Tayleur
Object history
Registered File number 1978/1402
Subjects depicted
Poetry
Diamond Motif
Collection
East Asia Collection
Accession number
FE.4&A-1979

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Record createdJune 25, 2009
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O457608/sleeveband-unknown/
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