The four section “cloud collar” was usually worn by a young girl on a festive occasion. The shape evolves from cloud icons derived from early pictograms and heavenly clouds represent abundance and nourishment of life. It was a custom for a mother to make this cloud collar for her daughter and the mother and child relationship is expressed in each of the cloud form. In each vignette, an older woman and a younger girl in double top knots are engaged in some activity within a garden setting, surrounded by auspicious flowers and trees and insects such as bats and butterflies. Some of the plants can be identified as plum blossoms, bamboo, pine, banana, chrysanthemum and orchids. Most of the stitching is the satin stitch, with the blind stitch on the flowers and butterflies around the color. The color scheme is red, blue, green and white with tiny black edging outlining each of the three layers that form the “cloud collar.” The color is backed by a red silk material that has worn thin. The object is mounted on a white board. The collar is 19 inches by 19 inches and 27 inches in length. The opening is marked with two green tassels. The age is late Qing Dynasty, ca. 1880’s.

Condition is very good, wood color has faded