18th century
China
Object qualities
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Objectclothes: Skirt, Imperial Theatrical
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumSilk and metallic-thread embroidery on silk satin, brocade borders
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SizeOverall: 39 x 54 in. (99.1 x 137.2 cm)
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Geography details
China -
Country today
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Date18th century
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CultureChina
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PeriodQing dynasty (1644-1911)
Source of information
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
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The pattern of this skirt—part of a theatrical ensemble with matching jacket 30.76.22—features peony leaves and flowers on the shoulders, above a band of scrollwork that resolves into a pair of confronting dragons. The lower part of the pattern consists of suspended beads, punctuated by various auspicious motifs—endless knots, swastikas (wan in Chinese, meaning “ten thousand” and signifying eternality), bats, coins, musical stones, and ribbons. These decorations are often found on Buddhist jewelry (yingluo) usually worn by a bodhisattva.