This unfinished embroidered cup is made of fabric stiffened with a backing to form a three dimensional receptacle. The colourful decorative motifs of fruits are created using tiny coloured glass ‘seed beads’ or ‘Rocaille beads’ threaded together. Fruits such as pomegranates are fertility symbols in the Chinese culture and represent the wish to have many children, especially sons. Such cups could be placed on the dressing table. Their small size and the material used to make them suggest that their purpose was largely ornamental.
