Robe Item Number: 2506/3 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Short lavender robe with a damask floral design of grapes and leaves. The robe is embellished with two bands of black silk bordering black cuffs, a thick band of black silk at the front opening, and black frog fasteners at the neck, front opening and side. There is a pocket on the inside, and there are slits at the bottom of the robe on either side.

History Of Use

Everyday wear. This style of woman's suit (aoku) originated with the Manchus, a northern nomadic tribe who ruled during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Both men and women wore the same style of suit until men stopped wearing the overlapping top. Women continued to wear this style until the mid-to-late 19th century. It was cut very wide, with long sleeves and reflected the wealth of the owner. Originally worn over matching pants; later worn over a skirt by the middle and upper classes.

Narrative

Sold through a consignment store in Vancouver, by a great-grandchild of the original owners.

Item History

What

Name
Robe
Identification Number
2506/3
Type of Item
robe
Material
silk fibre, cotton fibre and dye
Manufacturing Technique
hand sewn, appliqued and knotted
Overall
height 84.5 cm, width 161.0 cm

Who

Culture
Chinese
Previous Owner
Sack Lee Yew and Tapestry Vintage Clothing
Received from
Tapestry Vintage Clothing (Seller) and Fyfe-Smith Memorial Oriental Collection Fund (Funding source)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

When

Creation Date
during 1880
Ownership Date
before February 16, 2000
Acquisition Date
on February 16, 2000

Other

Item Classes
textiles
Condition
good
Accession Number
2506/0003