This cut work ornament is embroidered on one side with cotton wadding. Coloured silk threads are used to create motifs of flowers (possibly peony blossoms) and insects. These are done using the technique of the raised satin stitch. These are a series of flat stitches used to cover a section of the fabric and create a raised or a somewhat three dimensional effect. Gold metallic thread couching is used to create a border around the main decorative motifs. This is a technique where the metallic thread is caught down using another piece of thread passed through the material underneath. This is a pair of wedding bed hangings usually hung from the top of the four poster wedding bed. The flowers and insects serve as fertility symbols and signify the wedding couple’s wish to have sons. These items were always made in pairs as the number two is considered auspicious by Peranakans.
