Shui Baby Carrier with Butterfly, Coin and "Revolving Thunder" Motifs

A long red-brown apron-like cloth with embroidered medallions and two trailing ties.

This baby carrier with butterfly, coin and “revolving thunder” motifs is Shui, from Guizhou Province, China, and dates to the 20th century. It is silk & cotton. 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 band is stitched with small gold and red patterns. Below, a long dark section carries swirling gold and red scrolls around a round motif. Two straps end in small red lobed tips. It is 22 inches wide and 40 long.

Long, rich and sensibly equipped with ties.