Han Chinese Woman's Informal Domestic Surcoat
Place of ManufactureAsia
MediumMaterial: silk, red, blue; silk threads, coloured
ClassificationsDECORATIVE ART
Credit LineGift of Mrs. A.F. Key
Object number1964.160.001
DescriptionThis is a shorter coat made of plain red silk, with a blue silk border, and embroidered in various shades of blue, red, yellow & green motifs of butterflies(symbol of joy & summer, also wishes for long life), peonies(symbol of wealth, love & beauty), 1 ingot & circular gold ornaments(1 of the 8 Precious Things, 1 a lucky symbol), orchids(symbol of love, beauty & progeny), book scrolls(good augury, being one of the 4 accomplishments of a gentleman), melons(symbol of progeny), and the lingchih(immortality fungus). The white sleeve cuffs are decorated with embroidery of similar auspicious symbols like peaches(symbol of longevity), ling-chih, bamboo(evergreen, therefore emblem of longevity), plum blossoms(symbol of longevity & winter), butterflies and phonixes(1 of the 4 supernatural creatures).Status
Not on view
