This is a rare antique Chinese sleeve band with gold and silver thread emboidery. I bought this from Holland Village Shopping Centre, Singapore. It once formed part of the costume like the one below. You can see the details in the close up picture.
In the foreground is a antique celadon censer that goes well with the embroidery.
Embroidery is a very long established art form in China. It was never classified as a solely female activity and men and women have both been involved in embroidery. 
The items embroidered are quite diverse and include robes, theatrical costumes, purses, shoes, spectacle cases, banners, alter cloths and many other pieces. Some of the pieces were so finely stitched that the pieces took 5-6 people several years to complete. 
Embroidery was also used as a means of decorating silk clothing and for silk flags and banners as a means of denoting rank or station.
The finest pieces of work were very expensive. Gradually, embroidery developed, as a pastime for wealthy ladies and many members of the court were renowned for their intricate work.
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