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One of a pair of embroidered trim in the shape of magnolias and jade discs
One of a pair of embroidered trim in the shape of magnolias and jade discs

One of a pair of embroidered trim in the shape of magnolias and jade discs

Place of OriginChina
Dateapprox. 1800-1900
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911)
MaterialsGold on silk
DimensionsOverall: H. 4 3/4 × W. 4 1/2 × D. 1/8 in. (12.1 × 11.4 × 0.3 cm)
Credit LineGift of the Gladys Klockars Barber/Mabel Klockars Garner Collection of Asian Textiles and Decorative Arts
Object number1992.22.5
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsTextiles
On View
Not on view
Text Entries
Trim of this type was often appliquéd to women's clothing or furniture covers. This pairing of the magnolia and the jade disc emphasizes their close association. The Chinese word for magnolia (yulan) translates as "jade orchid" and therefore the flower is often used as a pictorial pun to represent the Chinese word for jade (yu). The white magnolia, specifically, is an emblem of purity.