Han Chinese Woman's Informal Domestic Surcoat
Place of ManufactureAsia
MediumMaterial: silk, damask, pale blue;
DimensionsOverall (wi=sleeve edge to sleeve edge; le: T of collar to back B edge): 131 x 95.5 cm
ClassificationsDECORATIVE ART
Credit LineGift of Major & Mrs. H.E. Robertson
Object number1958.025.000
DescriptionThe coat is made of pale blue silk damask woven with a hidden design of the eight treasures in Buddhist symbolism (conch shell, fish, lotus, umbrella, canopy, the wheel of law, jar & mystic knot) & the stylized character for 10,000 or 'wan'. The coat opens straight down the middle with six loops & buttons (five brass buttons and one silk button). Butterflies (symbol of summer & joy) are the major motif used in the decoration, & may be seen in the various ribbons applied onto the coat, as well as three of the four lower corners of the coat. The ribbons on the sleeve cuffs, however, are decorated with a pattern of flowers. Five brass buttons and one silk button down front. Cuffs and borders are embroidered.Status
Not on view
1860 - 1880
1900 - 1920
