This footstool cover is made from an oval padding of cotton wool which is covered with a panel of velvet. This is embroidered with various auspicious motifs using glass ‘seed beads’ or ‘Rocaille beads’. At the centre of the piece is a brightly coloured ‘Qilin’. The ‘Qilin’ is a mythical hooved creature in the Chinese culture which symbolises prosperity and the birth of sons. There are also designs of butterflies which symbolise love and romance, as well as pomegranates which symbolise fertility and abundance. Floral motifs also form a border along the edges of this piece. Such covers were usually placed on top of the ‘bangku kaki kahwain’ or ceremonial wedding footstools. The bride and bridegroom would rest their feet on these footstools while seated. This was attributed to the Malay ‘raja sehari’ custom, where the bride and bridegroom are treated like royalty on their wedding day.
