Han Chinese Woman's Informal Domestic Surcoat
Place of ManufactureAsia
MediumMaterial: silk, damask, black; silk threads
DimensionsOverall (length is neck to lower hem; width is sleeve cuff to sleeve cuff): 163 x 98.4 cm
ClassificationsDECORATIVE ART
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Jean Moffitt
Object number1983.050.001
DescriptionRobe is made of black silk woven with hidden circular motifs of 2 dragons chasing a pearl; front & border of robe is decorated with embroidered motifs of butterflies(symbol of joy & summer), and orchids (symbol of love & beauty & progeny), stylized circular form of the character 'wan'(meaning-10,000 fold), & plum blossoms(symbol of longevity & winter); the silk ribbon at both sides of the central silk panels is decorated with motifs of stylized forms of the character 'shou'(meaning longevity) & other auspicious symbols of long life, eg, the deer, the crane & fungus of immortality. Four wild geese among tall grasses are embroidered on each of the sleeve cuffs. Wild geese always fly in pairs, & the Chinese believe that they never mate a second time, hence they are an emblem of the married state, especially fidelity in marriageStatus
Not on view
