Qing Dynasty. 18^th-19^th centuries

China National Silk Museum, Hangzhou

L116cm, H140cm

With facing front panels, legged buttons and a circular collar, this woman’s jacket or short gown has embroidered floral patterns along the edges of the collar and front and back hem lines in three blue tones of varying intensity. On a base of black satin, multiple flowers are worked with running, diagonal and looped stitches in light blue, sky blue and indigo blue threads. The flowers include chrysanthemum, orchid, narcissus and peony, which is worked with knot stitch and outlined with gold couching. Butterflies worked with layered stitch in polychrome silk threads are interspersed among the flowers. (XY)