This bedspread is decorated with motifs of a phoenix amongst peony flowers. The phoenix is an auspicious symbol in the Chinese culture representing beauty, grace, high virtue, the bride and the Empress. Likewise, peonies are auspicious symbols that symbolise spring, love, beauty and good fortune.Peranakan wedding beds would be decorated with matching sets of embroidered textiles, such as this bedspread. On the bed textiles were blessings for the wedding couple, which conveyed the wish for many sons.
