Physical description
Woman's sleeveless surcoat of embroidered silk satin, open all the way down front and sides. Towards the hem there are two dark blue ribbons fixing back and front together. Trimmed at the bottom with green net and orange tassels. Border round all edges of mauve and gold brocade. Elaborate embroidery of celestial dragons, flaming jewels, birds, a large square panel at back and front in gold and copper thread showing a bird looking at an orange sun in beadwork.
Stitches: satin, Chinese knots, stem, long and short, split and couching.
Colours: blues, greens, gold, red, pink, yellow and white.
Place of Origin
China (made)
Date
mid 19th century (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown
Materials and Techniques
Satin-weave silk with embroidery in coloured silks and metal thread
Dimensions
Length: 39 in without fringe, Width: 20.5 in across shoulders
Object history note
T.41 to 45-1945 are said to have been brought from China by a Consul about 1870.
Registered File number 1945/1401.
Descriptive line
Woman's sleeveless surcoat, satin-weave silk with embroidery in coloured silks and metal thread, China, Qing dynasty, mid 19th century.
Materials
Silk (textile); Silk thread; Metal thread
Techniques
Satin weave; Embroidering
Subjects depicted
Peonies; Birds; Dragons; Emblems (symbols); Cloud scrolls
Categories
Women's clothes; Textiles; Embroidery
Collection
East Asia Collection