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Unknown Maker, Chinese

Robe

Maker

Unknown Maker, Chinese

Culture

Chinese

Title

Robe

Year

1800s

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

silk

Dimensions

Center back length: 142.9 cm (56 1/4 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Miss Elizabeth Casey

Object Number

1989.037.4

Type

Exhibition History

Queen of the Insects
The Art of the Butterfly
Dec 11, 2009 – May 09, 2010

Label copy

Constructed with a tapestry technique known as ko’ssu, these silk robes embody the extreme femininity and fragility of the butterfly. The butterfly is known as the “Queen of the Insects” in Chinese myth, while the peony, decorating the robe on the right side of this case, is associated with masculinity and called the “King of the Flowers.” Also emblematic of spring, the peony represents love and affection, and is often paired with the butterfly. Note that on both robes the butterfly image is repeated in the main part of the robe and in the bands and ribbon decorating its edges.

Of Peonies and Dragon's Toes
Chinese Costume from the Xing Dynasty
Jun 24, 1998 – Sep 13, 1998

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Chinese
Robe, 1800s
Silk; tapestry weave (ko'ssu), painted
Center back length: 142.9 cm (56 1/4 inches)
Gift of Miss Elizabeth Casey 1989.037.4

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