This embroidered tray cover uses silk thread embroidery and the satin stitch to create the various decorative motifs on the piece. There is a border adorned with motifs of deer, roosters, butterflies and flowers. The centre portion of this piece is also filled with motifs of flowers, deer, butterflies and a phoenix. The phoenix is an auspicious symbol that represents high virtue and good fortune. The deer is a symbol of longevity while butterflies symbolise romance and love in marriage. This rectangular panel is surrounded by tassels of various colours.It was possibly used during weddings to cover the gifts exchanged between the two families.
