This pair of embroidered turquoise vests depicts a pair of mandarin ducks amidst a floral background. Couchings of gold threads are used here to fill up the decorative designs, thus forming a contrasting picture to the turquoise background. Couching refers to a technique where the threads are laid across the surface of the ground fabric and fastened in place with stitches of the same or different thread. Machine stitching is used to make the rest of the piece. This piece was probably commissioned and made in a Chinese workshop before being delivered to its Straits Chinese customer.The colours and motifs used here are also symbolic. For example, the pair of mandarin ducks symbolises a loving and affectionate marriage.
