Empress robe of blue satin, attributed to Cixi, embroiderd with lily bulbs in shades of grey, pale blue-green and golden yellow. Happy Augury(?) signs alternate with lily bulbs over all. Wide border of black embroidered with same motifs around bottom, opening and cuffs of robe.

Manchu Woman's Unofficial Informal Court Robe, 1875-1908

Unknown artist, expand_more

Embroidered satinexpand_more

The John R. Van Derlip Fundexpand_more  41.74.7

This impressive garment displays a scattered scheme of gold shou medallions (representing long life) and multicolored flowering narcissus bulbs against a blue satin ground. Datable to the Guanxu period (1875-1908), it displays prominent shou medallions in a style that was popular in the private court of the Empress Dowager Cixi. This gown reportedly belonged to her personally. The fragrant narcissus is a beloved flower of the New Year and a harbinger of spring. This flower originated in Europe, but was known in China by the Tang dynasty (618-906) having been imported through the Middle East along the Silk Road.

Details
Title
Manchu Woman's Unofficial Informal Court Robe
Role
Artist
Dimension
L. 56 7/8 in.
Accession Number
41.74.7
Curator Approved

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Empress robe of blue satin, attributed to Cixi, embroiderd with lily bulbs in shades of grey, pale blue-green and golden yellow. Happy Augury(?) signs alternate with lily bulbs over all. Wide border of black embroidered with same motifs around bottom, opening and cuffs of robe.