University of Alberta Museums Search

Two silk tapestry weave sleeve bands that have been attached to a thick brocade border and lining, possibly to recreate them into decorative objects. Each sleeve band has a mirrored scene of five children - all boys - playing in a garden amongst peonies, peaches, trees, and rocks. The children are dressed in garments that were popular for youth in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). A boy near the top of the band holds a conch shell, which is an auspicious Buddhist symbol. Although the bands are woven in kesi, details have been added with painted ink, including colour gradients in the flowers and children's clothing. Sleeve bands are the wide decorated cuffs attached to women's robes and jackets, often made and sold separately from the rest of the garment. They became important commercial objects in the Qing Dynasty as they are modular accessories that could be purchased in a market and attached to the garment at home.