Title
Altar cloth with birds, butterflies and flowers
Year/Period
Early to mid-20th century
Region
Acquired in Singapore
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 150.0 x 203.0 cm
Accession No.
2023-00688
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Estate of Lam Po Chee in memory of Lam Po Chee
This textile probably once embellished the family’s ancestral altar table. It features various birds, flowers and butterflies, finely embroidered in gold metallic threads on a light green ground. Many of the motifs bear auspicious connotations, which suggests that this textile had probably been used during festive occasions or family celebrations. In Chinese art and culture, butterflies are viewed as emblems of joy and longevity, while the lotus is a signifier of purity. In addition, golden pheasants symbolise literary refinement, and mandarin ducks represent marital bliss and harmony.
