This round beadwork tablecloth is created using the technique of bead netting. A surface of beads is formed by inserting single or multiple threads through them to form a unified structure. Many auspicious meanings have been stitched onto this tablecloth. There are motifs of nine flowers clustered together. The Chinese character for the number nine (jiu) sounds like the character for ‘long’ and is used here to represent ‘everlasting happiness’. Four pairs of animals, the bat, deer, crane and ‘qilin’ surround the central floral motif. These paired motifs are symbols of double blessings. The bat, deer and crane symbolise happiness, wealth and longevity. The ‘qilin’ is a mythical Chinese hooved creature that is believed to be a bringer of sons. The piece also features insects like the dragonfly, grasshopper and cicada which are fertility symbols. This tablecloth was possibly used to cover the ‘spring table’ (choon tok) in the wedding chamber, where the bride and groom would have their first meal together.
