Hand embroidered silk wedding jacket with Dragon Motif

Clothing/Dress/Costume

-

Calvin University Center Art Gallery

The image shows a traditional, ornate robe with rich embroidery, featuring vibrant red and blue colors. Central motifs include an elaborate golden dragon amidst clouds and flowers, bordered with intricate patterns. The sleeves and collar areas are also adorned with decorative designs, suggesting cultural significance and craftsmanship.

The image shows a traditional, ornate robe with rich embroidery, featuring vibrant red and blue colors. Central motifs include an elaborate golden dragon amidst clouds and flowers, bordered with intricate patterns. The sleeves and collar areas are also adorned with decorative designs, suggesting cultural significance and craftsmanship.

Name/Title

Hand embroidered silk wedding jacket with Dragon Motif

Entry/Object ID

1989.15.7

Category

Vault, Chinese, Objects, Design/Pattern/Shape, Functional Object
Ethnic

Made/Created

Artist

Anonymous Chinese

Date made

circa 1725 - circa 1750

Dimensions

Dimension Description

overall size

Height

29 in

Width

47-1/4 in

Exhibitions

Permanent Collection - Center Art Gallery: summer 1990
Permanent Collection exhibition - September 1, 2015 - May 2016 Center Art Gallery

General Notes

Note

Traditionally, brides in China wear red on their wedding day as an expression of happiness and for protection from evil spirits. The dragons also have a history of appearing on dragon robes worn by Chinese bureaucrats, successive emperors, and their family members. The style fell out of use after the imperial dynasty ended in 1911, and many became available on the market as souvenirs.