Miao Baby Carrier with Bird Motifs

A dark panel patterned in lilac and rose like a night sky of diamonds.

This baby carrier with bird motifs is Miao (Hmong), from Guizhou Province, China, and dates to the 20th century. It is applique cotton & silk. Making a carrier involved every step from raising silkworms and producing silk to dyeing, embroidering, brocading and appliqué, and the work reflected a girl's love, devotion and creativity. The upper field is covered in small bird-like and diamond motifs in muted pink and violet on black. Below sits a smaller panel in the same style, trimmed with a purple band and beaded dots. It is 41.25 inches wide and 29 long.

Moody tones and a very steady hand.