Zhuang Baby Carrier with Butterfly Motif

A black cloth with a violet, red and cream scroll-work panel at its heart.

This baby carrier with butterfly motif is Zhuang, from Wenshan, Yunnan Province, China, and dates to the 20th century. It is applique cotton, silk & metal. 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. Swirling spirals in cream and red twist across a purple ground inside a vertical frame with striped edges. The wide black wings are plain, and a brown tab with thin ties hangs below. It is 137 inches wide and 28.5 long.

All the drama is saved for one spot.