Taoist priest robe of embroidered tea-leaf green satin. On the back conventional Taoist motives, large medallions with Buddhist symbols, bats, and butterflies; lotus blossoms and good luck symbols in couched gold threads, and couched twist in colors. On the front two sacred pagodas. Borders of black satin with dragons, Buddhist and other symbols, and clouds in couched gold threads and couched twist in colors. Lining of heavy gold tribute silk of good luck symbol design.

Daoist priest’s robe (jiangyi), 1662-1722

Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more

Embroidered satinexpand_more

The John R. Van Derlip Fundexpand_more  42.8.300

Not on Viewexpand_more

The most notable feature of many Daoist robes is the “cosmic diagram” on the upper back. This usually square composition contains various celestial symbols. Within a circle at its center, a pagoda surrounded by sunrays represents paradise, with clouds and stars. The colored disks outside the circle are stars, and three heavenly gates appear between the sun and moon along the square’s top edge. The scheme represents cosmic harmony and reflects Daoism’s focus on cosmology—the order and origin of the universe.

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Taoist Robes (#815)
Details
Title
Daoist priest’s robe (jiangyi)
Role
Artist
Dimension
L.57-1/4 in.
Accession Number
42.8.300
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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Taoist priest robe of embroidered tea-leaf green satin. On the back conventional Taoist motives, large medallions with Buddhist symbols, bats, and butterflies; lotus blossoms and good luck symbols in couched gold threads, and couched twist in colors. On the front two sacred pagodas. Borders of black satin with dragons, Buddhist and other symbols, and clouds in couched gold threads and couched twist in colors. Lining of heavy gold tribute silk of good luck symbol design.

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