Embroidered Miao Baby Carrier

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 traditional fabric baby carrier not only keeps the baby close, it acts as a visual reminder of a family's love and devotion.

This embroidered textile dates to the early 20th century and is attributed to a Miao woman of Southern China. Originally used as a baby carrier with straps that wrapped around the body, the panel is comprised of strip woven cotton and patterned with silk embroidery of traditional motifs, including swirling waves, animals, flowers and other flora. Set within a simple wood frame for display, this embroidered baby carrier is a beautiful example of Chinese minority textile art.