Sleeve Band
Object name
Date made
19th century
Place made
Description
19th-century Chinese sleeve band showing a dragon and a pair of phoenix, worked in black, blue, and gold threads.
Content description
19th-century Chinese sleeve band featuring a dragon flanked by two phoenixes. The sleeve band is worked in silk and passing threads on a silk ground. In the centre is a black dragon with a blue sun and four chrysanthemums and at top and bottom are blue phoenixes with black clouds. Dragons represent power, good fortune, and prosperity, and are typically considered male. Phoenixes, which are considered female, often accompany dragons and represent beauty and grace. Though there are different types of dragons represented in Chinese art, it is difficult to determine which dragon form is represented on this sleeve band. In between the phoenixes and dragon are strapwork patterns of passing threads, as well as borders of bamboo branches and daffodils. The entire piece is worked in satin stitch and couching.
Embroidered sleeve bands such as the ones seen here were made to be sewn onto the sleeves of Chinese women's robes during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). These items of haberdashery often include standalone motifs like birds or flowers, idealised landscapes, or depictions of popular Chinese tales.
Embroidered sleeve bands such as the ones seen here were made to be sewn onto the sleeves of Chinese women's robes during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). These items of haberdashery often include standalone motifs like birds or flowers, idealised landscapes, or depictions of popular Chinese tales.
Dimensions
width: 9cm
length: 51cm
length: 51cm
Materials
Stitches
Techniques
Motifs
Catalogue number
RSN.801
© Royal School of Needlework