Chinese Heirloom Baby Blankets

These diminutive versions of traditional blankets from southern China are truly labors of love, employing fine materials and craftsmanship; the small size is perfect for such a display of virtuosity.

Unlike most of the ceremonial costumes of this part of China, which are elaborately embroidered, these blankets are woven. Using the technique of discontinuous supplementary weft, which is likened to embroidering on a loom, it involves the laborious use of a ‘pick’ to thread the variously-colored silk threads into the foundation of either ramie or cotton plainweave.

Comprising two narrow panels, some of these blankets employ the design device of a frame, complete with beveled corners, around the central field, or border it with multiple borders; others have no frame.

We think these could very easily be from the latter 19th century or early part of the 20th century, as more recent examples lack the softness both of color and feel.