Chinese Silk Embroidered Han Style Lady’s Robe

Pictures below showing a Chinese late Qing dynasty (19th century) front-opening Han style lady's jacket embroidered with pale blue and white satin stitch flowers with Peking knot (forbidden stitch), a time consuming and exacting embroidery technique, accents on a cobalt blue silk satin ground. There are three metal buttons securing the front.

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Beaded Cane Baby Carrier Of Kenyah Dayak People From Borneo

This baby carrier comprises woven rattan over a wooden base and an exterior embellished with a panel (aban) beaded with coloured glass beads.

The central beaded panel has a central white demon figure surrounded by white hornbill head motifs. The curled tendril-like motifs are characteristic of Kayan/Kenyah Dayak art. The panel is attached to the rattan frame by means of natural twine.

The glass beads used on the aban panel most probably are of European manufacture. Large quantities of these beads were imported into Borneo for use in necklaces, baby carriers, skirts and so on.

It was believed that the souls of young children might wander and come into contact with disease and illness, and so to protect their babies, mothers would attach their babies to their carriers with prayer. The dramatic demonic figure on the beaded panel was designed to protect the child by scaring off marauding spirits.

This baby carrier has excellent wear and patina consistent with use.

Height: 31cm, width: 31cm.

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