This broad circular wedding collar or hood is made up of three layers of ‘ju-i’ head panels arranged in a concentric pattern. ‘Ju-i’ or Ruyi refers to a curved decorative object that was used as a sceptre in Chinese Buddhism or as a talisman to represent good fortune in Chinese culture. Each panel is embroidered with a variety of auspicious motifs. These include butterflies, peony blossoms, pomegranates and a pair of phoenixes. Peonies symbolised wealth. Butterflies represent romance and love. Pomegranates are symbols of fertility and the pair of phoenixes represents the wedding couple. The piece is set against a red background which symbolises marital bliss. These embroidered collars were worn by Nonya brides as part of the bridal costume.
