Embroidered cloud collar (ruyi)

The ruyi or "as you wish" collar, based on the head of the wish-granting wand, became popular in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The collar, made to go around one's neck and drape down the shoulders, points to the four directions, ensuring that things from all four directions will go smoothly (sihe ruyi 四合如意).

This collar is embroidered with various flowers. The peony on the back stands for prosperity, while the chrysanthemums represent longevity. The motif of butterfly (die 碊瓜) hovering above the pair of melons (gua 瓜) stands for a wish for "ceaseless generations of sons and grandsons (guadie mianmian 瓜碊綿綿)