Title
Valance and door curtains
Year/Period
First half of 20th century
Region
Penang
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: Refer to parts
Accession No.
2019-00756
Collection of
Valances and door curtains are among the largest examples of needlework made for or used by Peranakans ("nyonya needlework"). This set would have decorated the doorway to a wedding chamber, and provided privacy. Against a background of foliage executed in gold thread, pairs of birds symbolise fidelity in marriage. Mandarin ducks were thought to mate for life, while cranes represent the wish for newlyweds to grow old together. The upper register of the valance is embroidered with Chinese characters for “made in Penang”. This set was probably made by China-trained embroiderers who had settled in Penang.
