Twin Phoenixes & Four Butterflies — Indigo Longevity Wrap Cloth
A complete square wrapping cloth design with twin phoenixes, butterflies, copper coin ornaments and the Four Gentlemen, hand-joined from two narrow cotton panels.
- Object ID
- TA-NT-0041
- Origin
- Nantong · Attributed to Nantong–Chongming, eastern China
- Period
- c. 1940s–1950s
- Dating confidence
- estimated
- Material
- Hand-spun, handwoven Xiao Hua Sha (小花纱) homespun cotton (owner attribution)
- Dimensions
- Approx. 80 × 82 cm / 31.5 × 32.3 in; two joined panels about 41 cm each
- Technique
- Indigo stencil resist printing · Hand-joined construction · Handwoven homespun
- Pattern
- Twin phoenixes · Four butterflies · Copper coin knot · Four Gentlemen · Floral borders
- Colours
- Indigo blue · Natural white
- Washed
- Yes
Object condition
Washed and ironed; substantial, soft traditional handwoven cotton. The textile has three small holes, wear and losses at all four corners. The central twin-phoenix roundel, decorative borders and joining seam remain visible. Refer to close-ups and the red-marked condition overview.
Identification notes
Matched by the owner to active Etsy listing 4598384713 and its corresponding original photography folder on 19 October 2026; sold as one piece.
The original cloth comprises two approximately 41 cm panels joined down the middle. The seam is a feature of historical narrow-loom construction.
The Nantong–Chongming attribution and c.1940s–1950s dating are based on owner records and stylistic features; exact maker and date remain unknown.
Traditional resist stencil printing creates light designs after removing paste applied before dyeing. This cloth is not printed using ordinary white ink.
Harmony, longevity and prosperity in a complete square design
The two stylised phoenixes in the central roundel recall Luan Feng He Ming (鸾凤和鸣), harmony and happiness in marriage and family life.
Four butterflies evoke longevity through the wordplay between 蝶 (die, butterfly) and 耋 (die, advanced age); butterflies also evoke love, spring and repeated blessings.
Copper coin and knot ornaments express prosperity, connection and wishes for good fortune that endures.
Plum blossom represents hope and perseverance; orchid refinement and modesty; bamboo integrity and peace; chrysanthemum endurance and longevity. Together these are the Four Gentlemen (梅兰竹菊).
Dense dotted floral borders, all-over blossoms and handwoven seams preserve an older folk decorative language.
