This embroidered panel uses gold thread couching highlight and outline the decorative features on the piece, such as the leaves of the floral motifs that form the border of the panel. Dominating the centre of this piece of embroidery is a pair of phoenixes set amidst rose like peony blossoms. Butterflies and floral designs fill the rest of the panel. These motifs are considered auspicious in the Chinese culture. A pair of phoenix represents a wedding couple and also high virtue. Peony blossoms symbolise wealth as well as spring, which is considered a good time for marriage. Butterflies represent romance and love. Red is a traditionally auspicious colour that represents happiness in marriage. This larger type of panel was possibly made in China and shipped to its Straits Chinese customers in Southeast Asia. The auspicious motifs suggest that it was used in wedding ceremonies. It was possibly used as a bed cover for the wedding bed in the bridal chamber.
