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Description

A front-opening robe with very wide sleeves and a round neck. Robe is cream colour and decorated with copper and gold-coloured sequins in wavy patterns, except for the bottom of the robe and ends of the sleeves, on which the sleeves are decorated with angled straight lines of sequins. The robe has snap fastenings down the front, and slits at the sides. Stamped onto inside fabric lining of collar are two red squares filled with Chinese letters.

History Of Use

A robe of this type was worn in Cantonese opera to represent a wealthy person. During the years 1900-1930, Cantonese opera costumes were decorated with silver-plated brass discs and then with round mirrors, together with gold and silver thread. Sequins made of gelatin were first used on Cantonese opera costumes in the 1930s. Heavily-sequined costumes were popular in the 1950s-60s, with the sequins then being made of plastic. Sequins have continued to come and go in popularity since that time.

Cultural Context

Cantonese Opera Performance

Item History

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