This broad circular wedding collar or hood is made up of two 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 peony blossoms, pomegranates, phoenixes, deer and ‘qilin’. Peonies symbolised wealth and spring which was considered an auspicious time to get married. Deer represent longevity. The phoenix symbolises high virtue. Here, it is depicted as a pair which also represents the wedding couple. The ‘qilin’ is a hoofed mythical Chinese creature. It is an auspicious symbol that is believed to be a bringer of sons. This embroidered collar was worn by the page girl that accompanied the wedding couple.
