Sleeveless robe of dark blue k'ossu with design of butterflies in shades of blue, yellow, pink, and green. Border of greyed blue k'ossu with butterflies and blossoms set off from body by a strip of blue and gold brocade. Painted details. Lining of thin pink silk. A companion to 42.8.80.

Manchu Woman’s Unofficial Informal Vest, 19th century

Unknown artist, expand_more

Silkexpand_more

The John R. Van Derlip Fundexpand_more  42.8.79

On View in Gallery 217expand_more

Butterflies and cicadas are scattered across this vest, and a pattern of butterflies and flowers decorate the brocade ribbon that trims the garment. Butterflies imply elegance, beauty, and joy; cicadas suggest immortality, rebirth, and harmony. Together, they endow this vest with auspicious imagery. Indeed, the Chinese word for butterfly (die) is a pun on the word meaning “age 70”—a wish for a long life.

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Details
Title
Manchu Woman’s Unofficial Informal Vest
Role
Artist
Dimension
L.54-5/8 in.; L.51-3/4 in.to collar
Accession Number
42.8.79
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Sleeveless robe of dark blue k'ossu with design of butterflies in shades of blue, yellow, pink, and green. Border of greyed blue k'ossu with butterflies and blossoms set off from body by a strip of blue and gold brocade. Painted details. Lining of thin pink silk. A companion to 42.8.80.