late 19th century
China
Object qualities
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Objectclothes: Robe, Informal
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumSilk embroidery on silk satin
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SizeOverall: 53 x 82 in. (134.6 x 208.3 cm)
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Geography details
China -
Country today
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Datelate 19th 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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On this robe, scores of delightful butterflies flutter among longevity medallions. Since the word for “butterfly” in Chinese (die) is a homonym for “octogenarian,” the butterfly is a symbol of longevity. It is also usually an auspicious image associated with joy and weddings, and this robe might have been worn for such an occasion.
