Miao Baby Carrier with Warring Dragons & Pearl Motif

A black embroidered jacket-shaped textile with round medallions and little birds.

This baby carrier with warring dragons & pearl motif is Miao (Hmong), from Geyi, Guizhou Province, China, and dates to the 20th century. It is applique cotton & silk. Miao is a general term for several ethnic groups of southwest China, including the Hmong, Shui, Yi and Ge Jia, who are famous for their costumes and especially their baby carriers. A large circular motif sits at the top among pink, teal and cream flowers, with a smaller one below. Patterned borders in red and white trim the neck and edges against a dark ground. It is 94.5 inches wide and 30.5 long.

Dark ground, bright thread, and a great deal of ambition.