Chinese Embroidered Robe

Wide sleeved silk robe with front opening. Worn by a woman for semi-formal or informal occasions along with an embroidered skirt or pants.

It was fashionable in the last half of the 19th century for wealthy women to have these sorts of robes cut as large as possible, showing off how much silk their family was able to afford for a single garment. These robes or jackets were often embroidered with florals and scenes from every day life.

The use of bats is for good luck and fortune. They decorate the dark indigo ground and are surrounded by peaches, pomegranates, and flowers. The sleeve bands are an off-white silk with designs of vases, other decorative items, flowers, and fruits. The entire garment uses mostly satin stitches, with the addition of an occasional forbidden stitch detail, and gold couched embroidery on the borders.

Circa: 19th century

Origin: China

Material: Silk

Condition: Very good, missing buttons

Dimensions: 55" sleeve to sleeve