Product Description

Antique Miao Man’s Purse

Material: Silk
Style: Maio, South China
Size: Height 20 cm, Width 32 cm
Order Number: MHSAMMP1

Miao man’s embroidered purse fastened around the waist.

The Miao people are one of China’s major ethnic groups. They live in southern China mostly in Guizhou province. Miao sub-groups such as the Hmong live in northern Thailand and eastern Burma. The Hmong have 2 major branches, the White Hmong and the Green Hmong.

Many migrated to Laos. By 1850 they were established in the mountains around Luang Prabang. By the end of the 19th century there were several Hmong villages in Thailand. In 1984 there were 245 villages.

During World War II the Chinese tried to stop them speaking their own language or wearing their distinctive dress, but they failed.

Costumes and ornaments are considered by the Miao not only to satisfy the basic needs of life but also as precious works of art that represent the thoughts and efforts of the Maio people. Their clothes are often black but can be colourful and artistic. They have mastered the arts of embroidery and batik.

From the age of 6 or 7 girls start to learn needlework, weaving and dyeing.  Those living near water embroider fish and shrimp designs and those living near mountains embroider flowers and birds. They also used geometric patterns. The designs are  delicate and clear cut. The geometric patterns are similar to those of the Yao people and they may have had a common ancestor. Before marriage they are busy making their wedding trousseaux (jiazhuang).

During Miao holidays they wear their colourful costumes.

Mid 20th century.

There is a similar example in Clothings and Ornaments of China’s Miao People, The Cultural Palace of Nationalities, Beijing, China, The Nationality Press 1985, page 27.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).