Han Chinese, Ming Style Bridal Robe
Place of ManufactureAsia
MediumMaterial: silk, orange-red; silk thread; gold thread; ermine
DimensionsOverall: 151 x 108.4 cm
ClassificationsDECORATIVE ART
Credit LineGift of Mrs. P. S. Widdup
Object number1961.037.001
DescriptionThe robe is made of orange silk embroidered in gold thread & silk thread, there are large motifs of the 5-claw dragon. The base of the robe is embroidered with a design of 2 fo lion-dogs, playing with balls among a border of wave pattern (the element of water) & the stylized mountain peak pattern (the element of earth). The upper part of the robe has an embroidered design of clouds (representing the sky) & bats (symbol of blessing or happiness). Other conspicuous motifs include the 8 treasures of Buddhist symbolish with representations of the mystic know, jar, canopy & umbrella at the front of the robe, & those of the wheel of the law, the conch shell, fish & lotus at the back side of the robe. Each of these symbols is shown accompanied by a lotus flower (symbol of purity-ultimate happiness in Buddhism). There is a central design of a bat surmounting a canopy sheltering a panel with the Chinese character "double happiness". White fur collar is possibly a later addition.Status
Not on view
