Four Rams Guarding Treasure
四羊护宝
In Qiang tradition, the ram is revered as a sacred creature—a guardian that brings good fortune and happiness. The “ram’s horn flower” (Yángjiǎo Huā, 羊角花), actually the azalea (Rhododendron simsii Planch), is celebrated as a symbol of love and is often used as a token of devotion. This embroidery ingeniously weaves together ram’s horns, flowers, and butterflies into a composition that is both intricate and richly layered. The four ram's horns guard love, while the theme of "butterflies enamored with flowers" (Dié Liàn Huā - 蝶恋花) symbolizes the longing of love. The interplay of butterflies and flowers within the ram's horns is a way of entrusting feelings to objects, through which the wise Qiang embroiders expressed their praise and yearning for a beautiful love.