Vtg 1994 Jacket Bai Jia Bei Handmade In China Cotton Applique Embroidered Patchwork Textile The Five Poison.
This one of a kind jacket was purchased in 1994 Beijing, China, at the Great Wall by my parents.
I had to reach out and do my homework on this piece.
We think it is a remarkable piece of textile art work.
This jacket was woven with a pattern featuring the five poisonous creatures: snake, centipede, scorpion, toad, and spider. Their protective qualities are called upon during the festival of Duanwu, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, which occurs on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. The Chinese believe wearing clothes or using an object with representations of these creatures during the festival can ward off evil.
On the front of the jacket there are two hand embroidered dragons with a bird on each side in various colored thread. Below the dragons are 18 patchwork squares that are appliqued in various colors of silk. All hand done. The sleeves also have a bird and a butterfly embroidered on them. The red sleeve ends at the cuff in blue.
It has a Nehru collar.
There are 4 red frog button closure down the front of the jacket.
The back of the jacket is just amazing. Handmade animals in relief make up the back with patchwork and colorful applique. Truly a piece of art. Again, stunning example of The Five Poisons in Chinese Textile work.
Length: 30" Chest: 22" Sleeve: 19" Collar: 2"
Fully lined in a shade of taupe. There is a faint paper label in the inside of the jacket.
So gorgeous, it lends itself to being framed.
Please see the photos to complete the description.
