Li Headcloth
From the Meifu group of Li people on Hainan Island, this fine old woman’s headcloth is most unusual. The deep end panels are covered in extremely fine silk embroidery in geometric patterns, and lively, couched Chinese characters, also done in silk. The body of the piece is fine indigo cotton. The language is not Chinese, but is supposed to be archaic poetry. We consider it visual poetry: the combination of motifs results in a very graphic, but refined and elegant composition executed in fine materials. Probably from the late 19th century or early 20th, it is in quite good condition with the exception of loose silk threads (see Detail 2) and some wear on a few of the characters. These are heirloom pieces and not easily found.
Size: 10.75″ x 67.5″ not including fringe
$785.00
