Roundels and rosettes have a long history in China, dating back to the seventh century. The embroidered rosettes on this robe are particularly notable for their fine detail. They are on a nearly hidden light-blue background and were set in, not applied to the surface of the garment, which features a subtly contrasting light-golden-yellow background embroidered with flowering branches. Exquisite robes such as this one were often refurbished for succeeding generations. The borders of this coat, for example, are from a later period.