Period:Qing dynasty (1644–1911) Date:18th century Culture:China Medium:Silk and metallic-thread embroidery on silk satin, brocade borders Dimensions:Overall: 39 x 54 in. (99.1 x 137.2 cm) Classification:Costumes-Embroidered Credit Line:Rogers Fund, 1930 Accession Number:30.76.21 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.
Period:Qing dynasty (1644–1911) Date:18th century Culture:China Medium:Silk and metallic-thread embroidery on silk satin, brocade borders Dimensions:Overall: 39 x 54 in. (99.1 x 137.2 cm) Classification:Costumes-Embroidered Credit Line:Rogers Fund, 1930 Accession Number:30.76.21 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.