DIA170xH100mm, China
This is a butterfly embroidery hat for a new born baby, before a child is born the grannies will prepare a hat for the new comer. A tiger hat for the boy and a butterfly hat for the girl (there was no ultrasound then, so I suppose they will have to make one of each, just in case). Butterfly symbolizes beauty, a wish for the family for the young baby girl.
DIA180mm, China
Today we have something more traditional, part of the Dong tribe consume, a triple ring silver neckwear. Together with the silver head wear, they are the most important part of their costume, passing down from generations. There are many style for the neck ring, we found this particular one to be very modern and bold.
W450xH600mm, China
This is a glass painting of a pair of Lady Amherst’s pheasant (Chrysolophus amherstiae) which are native to south western China and north eastern part of Myanmar. For the Chinese, the Lady Amherst’s pheasant is a noble bird. At the time of monarchy the Empress, being the highest ranking second only to the Emperor, would have phoenix as a pattern. For the first ranking official, their costume would have a red crown crane, while the second ranking official the Lady Amherst’s pheasant. The third ranking, the green peafowl and the fifth the silver pheasant, the eighth being the quail.
L250xW350mm, China
Du Dou is the traditional Chinese undergarment to be worn on the upper part of the body. The top will be hang around the neck by a ribbon while the side is tied around the body by another ribbon. It is usually made by the female for their lovers, hubby, children or for their own use. The one used by the female are usually a simple red cloth without any embroidery, the one for the lover are more elaborated the theme for the embroidery will be some love story from opera, legends etc. The embroidery made for the children are that of blessing, zodiac signs, etc.
CIR650xH650mm, China
The pleated dress is part of the female Miao tribe costume. The legend of the pleated dress goes like this; once upon a time, there was a handsome Miao hunter, one day he caught a beautiful golden pheasant and he gave it as a gift to the girl he was in love with. The girl, Ah Beng, looking at the golden pheasant and decided to make herself as beautiful as the bird, so she weaved a cloth added embroidery and made herself a pleated dress. The neighbors saw how beautiful she looked and soon everyone started dressing with amazing pleated dresses.
China
This is a jacket designed and tailored by our shop in the style of the Miao tribe. The decorative pieces are embroidery from the Miao tribe in Gui Zhou. The red eye creature in the embroidery (can you spot it?) is a three legged toad. The toad represented wealth and good harvest. This representation is shared by an old Chinese folk story; once upon a time there was an evil monster, the young Lui Hai had him defeated and it turned out to be a three legged toad. The toad turned good and followed Lui everywhere fighting other monsters. Lui also has a habit of aiding the poor, the legend has it that the toad has the ability of bring wealth, at where he reside there is treasure. The toad became a symbol of fortune and blessing.
W600xL900mm, China
This is one of the traditional costume of the Miao tribe from the Qian Chung Nan area In fact there are over 200 different styles within the Miao tribe, different district would have their own costumes (hairstyle, accessory, clothing, etc) which has been modified along the different dynasty. From the Qing dynasty, embroidery, silverware, Manchurian style left or right breasted garments were added into the collection. This garment would have been worn by a middle age female; made with blue cotton, tailored to be loosely fitted with no collar.
Mountain Folkcraft 