Embroidered Miao Baby Carrier Textile

The connection between love and embroidery is nowhere stronger than among the minority peoples of China. Hand-stitched by a mother herself or gifted by the women in her family, the baby carrier not only kept the baby close, it acted as a visual reminder of a family's love and devotion.

This textile panel dates to the mid-19th century and is attributed to a Miao woman of Southern China. The central panel of a baby carrier, this textile would have been sewn to several long fabric straps used tie the carrier to a woman's back. The panel is comprised of a dark indigo cotton appliquéd with triangular panels, each embroidered with peony blossoms and butterflies, symbols of life and happiness. Set within a simple frame for display, this embroidered baby carrier is a beautiful example of Chinese minority textile art.