Woman's apron/cape of indigo cotton with ornate hand embroidered and applique decoration. The band at the top is decorated with yellow, burgundy, black, and white strips of cloth with saw-toothed white applique on burgundy ground. The body is adorned with patches of cross-stitched embroidery and bold applique patterns of symmetrical shapes with many lobes and curlicues. The body is edged on 3 sides with a border of red, black, and white cloth stripes. The cross-stitch embroidery is horizontal/vertical, which follow the warp and weft of the cloth with a lacy effect in blue, white, green, burgundy, and pale yellow. Motifs drawn from the 5 standard Mien patterns; the thread used is either pearl cotton crotchet thread, embroidery floss, or weaving threads with a sheen. As far as can be ascertained, there is no mythical or religious significance to the patterns. Hand-made by Mien women. An ornate apron/cape is worn for weddings and other special occassions. A simpler version is used as a baby carrying cloth. See page 30 of Pien Fa Hang Collection portfolio.

1983.052.005