National Anthropological Archives

Guide to MS 7423 Window flowers: symbolical silhouettes for the Chinese New Year, 1948

Summary

Collection ID:
NAA.MS7423
Creators:
Koehn, Alfred
Dates:
1948
Languages:
English
.
Physical Description:
1 Volume
45 pages; 295 cutouts
15.25 x 21.25 inches
Repository:
Container:
7423

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents
The collection consists of one (1) book by Alfred Koehn. The book is made up of cutouts, mostly from red paper, that have been mounted on the pages of the volume. The cutouts represent people, animals, birds, flowers, and other designs. These designs were mounted in homes to bring prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.
Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or National Anthropological Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.

Biographical Note

Biographical Note
Alfred Koehn was a German diplomat and amateur botanist who worked in Asia. He authored and published a number of illustrated books on Japan and China.

Administration

Custodial History
The collection was purchased in Beijing, China in 1948 by Ann Ford Doyle and donated to the National Anthropological Archives in 1984.
Processing Information
Previously titled "Window flowers: typical silhouettes for the Chinese New Year."

Digital Content


Using the Collection

Conditions Governing Use
Contact the repository for terms of use.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
Access to the collection requires an appointment.
Preferred Citation
MS 7423 Window flowers: symbolical silhouettes for the Chinese New Year, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution

More Information

Local Numbers

Local Numbers
NAA MS 7423
NAA INV 10000085


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Books Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Silhouettes Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Chinese New Year decorations Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Chinese Cultural Context Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Beijing (China) Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
East Asia Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

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