This Miao textile hails from the Guizhou province of China and dates to the late 20th century. Measuring 19 inches by 24 inches (48 cm x 61 cm), the piece is in excellent condition and showcases the vibrant, modern evolution of ethnic minority needlework. The embroidery is executed with lustrous silk threads on a sturdy black cotton base, which provides a high-contrast background for the brilliant color palette.

The central motif features a majestic Miao dragon, a symbol deeply rooted in the culture's ancestor worship and legends of the natural world. Unlike the imperial five-clawed dragons of Han Chinese tradition, the Miao dragon is often depicted with a more joyful, benevolent expression and is accessible to all members of the community as a symbol of good luck, strength, and protection. The dragon is surrounded by a lush arrangement of floral and butterfly motifs, rendered in vivid shades of fuchsia, orange, and lime green. The Butterfly Mother (Mama Butterfly), represented by the fluttering forms around the dragon, is considered the primary ancestor of the Miao people, and her inclusion alongside the dragon reflects a narrative of creation and continuity.

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