Qing Dynasty. 18^th-19^th centuries

China National Silk Museum, Hangzhou

Inv. No. 0057

L90cm, W162cm

With centered front panels, a circular collar and legged buttons, this woman’s jacket or short gown has elaborate border designs embroidered in polychrome threads indicating all kinds of birds, flowers and flowering tree motifs. The slits on the sides are finished with the mushroom-shaped ruyi design. On a ground of apple green satin, ten opera scenes arranged in medallions are embroidered using mainly satin stitch. The spaces in between are filled with birds, shou (“longevity”) characters, butterflies and various floral motifs. (ZF)