Chinese Silk Embroidered Sleeve Band, Late Qing Dynasty

Story

Crafted during the final decades of imperial China, these bands were embroidered by women in domestic settings as displays of skill and status. Butterflies and blossoms carried coded wishes for a happy marriage and a long, prosperous life. When the robes wore out, these precious embroidered bands were often salvaged, saved, and passed down.

Maker / Origin

While the individual maker is anonymous, she was part of a centuries-old tradition of Chinese domestic embroidery. Girls from respectable families began learning needlework at a very young age, as their skill in embroidery was considered a reflection of their character, patience, and suitability for marriage.

Condition & Value

The embroidery itself is in good, vibrant condition with minimal thread loss. The black silk ground shows some creasing and raw edges where it was removed from the original garment. The paper backing on the reverse is dry, fragile, and partially torn, which is typical for its age and does not detract from the textile's value.