Miao / Hmong Woman's Festival Jacket

A jacket that spent its working life being looked at.

Hmong women of Baixing, Guizhou Province, China, made this festival jacket in cotton. Miao and Hmong needlewomen of Guizhou are known for embroidery, appliqued bands and batik worn at festivals and weddings, often built up over many months. Here the cuffs and shoulder panels carry dense geometric blocks in rose, indigo and cream, and bands of fine stripes run down the front. A pale, finely patterned skirt panel hangs below, edged in black.

Laid flat, it spreads like a map of someone’s patience. Hang it where the light is kind.