Imperial robe
Date19th century
Maker
Chinese
Label TextCourt attire was legislated by the Manchu rulers of China. Color, decoration, and quality of materials indicate status and rank in the pageantry that surrounded the emperor during a court audience, but some of these standards are also reflected in nonofficial attire. Yellow (huang) was a color restricted to aristocratic use for sounding like the word “imperial” (huang). This Manchu woman’s silk robe is decorated using peacock feathers and gold thread for some floral and auspicious motifs. One pair is arranged to look like phoenixes with long tail feathers. This robe was treasured for a long time—the dark indigo bands, ribbons, and cuffs were added in the 20th century so that it could continue to be worn.
Object number92.134
ProvenanceHelen Hopkins; Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 1992
Credit LineGift of Helen P. Hopkins
Dimensions46 in. (116.84 cm)
L.: 37 in.
MediumSilk damask, silk satin, peacock feathers, gold thread, silk thread, aniline dyes
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