Panels from a lady's skirt

The pleated skirts of the late Qing dynasty are decorated with two embroidered panels, front and back. This example shows a combination of satin stitch and French knots (also know as blind stitch or Forbidden Stitch). The auspicious design shows a vase, a symbol of peace, containing a large peony, the flower of wealth and rank. This vase (ping), together with the wish-granting wand (ruyi) behind it, assured the owner of the skirt that she would have peace and fulfillment of all wishes (ping'an ruyi). Other designs include pots of peonies, and dishes of fruit. The fruits include peaches (longevity), pomegranate (fertility), and Buddha's hand citrons (blessings and longevity). The three fruits form a wish for the "Three Abundances" (sanduo)--longevity, lots of sons, and blessings. On the right side is a depiction of a circular jade pendant, tied with a ribbon.