Black Miao Panel c. 20th century

Editor: Here we have a "Black Miao Panel," created around the 20th century, crafted in China. The piece, now residing at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, showcases horizontal stripes and geometric details. Looking at the work overall, it reminds me a bit of woven musical scales with its alternating lines of patterns... What’s your perspective when you see this piece? Curator: That’s a lovely thought, musical scales indeed! For me, this panel sings of resilience. It makes me consider the hands that wove it, likely within the context of the Miao culture, where textiles are not merely fabrics, but vessels of history and identity. Do you notice how the geometric elements feel less rigid than they might in, say, a Western textile? Editor: I see what you mean. There’s a subtle asymmetry at play... Was the Miao Panel part of a larger textile? What might it have been used for? Curator: Quite possibly. Many Miao textiles are integrated into clothing or used ceremonially. What strikes me most is the imperfect symmetry, those gentle deviations in pattern – it feels deeply human, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely! The hand of the artisan feels very present here, making me wonder about the time and care that went into its making. This close-looking approach really helps me appreciate the layers of meaning embedded in a seemingly simple pattern. Curator: And that’s precisely the beauty of textiles. They're visual stories waiting to be unfolded, one thread at a time. Thinking about it, if this panel could talk, what tale might it tell us, do you think?