Traditional Chinese Garments

A collection of intricate traditional Chinese jackets and robes showcasing vibrant colors, fabrics, and cultural motifs ideal for festive occasions.

Woman's unofficial informal robe, late 19th-early 20th century, 47 1/4 × 69 1/2 in. (120.02 × 176.53 cm), Satin, China, 19th-20th century, The unofficial wardrobes of Chinese noble women were less standardized but almost as sumptuous as court attire. The cut, symbolic content and decorative motifs vary considerably from court wear, while aesthetic considerations and individual taste are given far greater rein.

Jacket, from a three-piece set, 25 x 51 1/2 in. (63.5 x 130.81 cm), Cotton, silk, sequins, China

Birthday or Ceremonial Robe with Crane Medallions 19th century China Non-official robes such as the example seen here were worn for important family occasions and ceremonies, including weddings and significant birthdays. This robe features eight medallions, each consisting of a stylized crane surrounded by gourd vines. (The motifs repeat in the robe's bands.) Cranes and bottle gourds symbolize longevity and therefore express appropriately auspicious birthday wishes.This robe formed an ensemble with a matching dark blue coat, also in the Museum's collection. The very large sleeves are typical of women's robes in the late Qing dynasty, and the tapestry weave's painted details are also characteristic of the time.. Birthday or Ceremonial Robe with Crane Medallions 69900

Baby Carrier, 39 x 75 in. (99.06 x 190.5 cm), Cotton; needlework, China

Coat, 20th century, 24 1/2 x 52 5/16in. (62.2 x 132.9cm), Cotton, China, 20th century

Jacket, 29 1/2 x 54 3/4 in. (74.93 x 139.07 cm), Cotton, silk, gold color metal tape, wool, sequins, China

Man's robe, Medium: silk, metallic yarns Technique: embroidered on satin weave Label: silk satin embroidered with silk and metallic yarns, Long robe of brown satin embroidered in colored silks and metallic yarns. Long sleeves of black taffeta with embroidered horse-shoe cuffs. Diagonal front closure with a band of black satin, embroiderd in colored silks. Three 5-toed dragons on front, worked in gold with red silk flames. Background of cloud bands in colors, interspersed with auspicious symbols such as bat, peony, swastika, flaming pearl, lotus, jar, fish. Deep wave border at bottom., China, 1796-1820, costume & accessories, Man's robe

Jacket with Attached Skirt, 35 1/4 x 43 in. (89.54 x 109.22 cm), Cotton, silk, China

Jacket 19th century. Jacket 126652

Woman's unofficial informal robe, late 19th-early 20th century, 47 1/4 × 69 1/2 in. (120.02 × 176.53 cm), Satin, China, 19th-20th century, The unofficial wardrobes of Chinese noble women were less standardized but almost as sumptuous as court attire. The cut, symbolic content and decorative motifs vary considerably from court wear, while aesthetic considerations and individual taste are given far greater rein.

Mandarin Coat, late 1700s. China, late 18th century. Embroidery, silk; overall: 142.5 x 218.4 cm (56 1/8 x 86 in.).

Man's Coat (Choga) ca. 1803-56 A meandering vine encloses multicolor ambi, or mangoshaped, motifs on this choga, a loose-fitting, open-fronted robe worn as an outer garment in Central Asia, Russia, North Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. This coat was likely made in Kashmir, as the double-interlocking twill tapestry weave (kanni) used to make it was a specialty of the region. Later, the coat made its way into the wardrobe of Saiyid Sa'id, sultan of Zanzibar and imam of Muscat, Oman (1803-56).. Man's Coat (Choga). ca. 1803-56. Wool, metal wrapped thread; double interlocking twill tapestry weave, applied decorative braid. Attributed to India, Kashmir. Textiles-Costumes

Double-layer jacket with vest, China

Baby Carrier, 29 x 20 1/2 in. (73.66 x 52.07 cm), Cotton; needlework, China

Coat, 19th century, 53 9/16 x 61 7/8 in. (136.05 x 157.16 cm), Silk, cotton, velvet ikat, Uzbekistan, 19th century

Unfinished robe, 51 3/4 × 73 5/8 in. (131.45 × 187.01 cm) (folded as worn), Silk, metallic threads, China

Woman's Ceremonial Robe (The Bat Medallion Robe). Culture: China. Dimensions: 54 x 75 in. (137.2 x 190.5 cm). Date: first half of the18th century. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Womans Tunic (Baju)

Dress, Medium: cotton and silk Technique: embroidered, Long coat-shaped dress of heavy black cotton, embroidered in colored silks of red, green, white, blue and orange. Long fitted sleeve embroidered entire length and around cuff. Robe closes in front with flap to close over, open at side. Embroidery largely in geometric pattern with large stylized leaf form. All seams and edges embroidered. Edges faced inside with printed cotton, 'paisley' cone shapes on red; may be remains of lining., Palestine, 19th century, costume & accessories, Dress

Woman's Ao (Short Robe) Made 1800-1850 China. Silk, warp-float faced 7 1 satin weave; embroidered with silk and gold-leaf-over-lacquered-paper-strip-wrapped silk in knot, single satin, and satin stitches; laid work and couching; sleeve bands silk, warp-float faced 7 1 satin weave; embroidered with silk and gold-leaf-over-lacquered-paper-strip-wrapped cotton in herringbone, knot, single satin, satin, and stem stitches; laid work and couching; ribbons silk and gold- and silver-leaf-over-lacquered-paper-strip-wrapped cotton, warp-float faced 7 1 satin weave self-patterned by main warp floats; trimmed with silk, warp-float faced 4 1 satin weave; lined with silk, plain weave . Han-Chinese

Blouse with Attached Skirt, 30 1/2 x 41 15/16 in. (77.47 x 106.52 cm), Cotton, metallic strips, China

Manchu Man's Semiformal Court Robe, 1821-1850, Silk, China, 19th century

Jacket, 32 3/4 x 43 1/4 in. (83.19 x 109.86 cm), Cotton velvet, silk, cotton, metal sequins, gold colored metallic thread, China

Woman's birthday coat. Culture: China. Dimensions: 47 x 68 in. (119.4 x 172.7 cm). Date: late 19th century.This tapestry-woven woman's coat was considered appropriate outerwear for birthday celebrations and other auspicious occasions. Its brilliant magenta ground is decorated with golden medallions bearing the character for longevity (shou) and the swastika (wan), which denoted ten thousand years.The dark bands at the neck, sleeve, and front opening of the coat have a matching design. Frequently, such bands will wear out before the rest of the coat, but they survive intact here. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Apron, from a three-piece set, 26 x 13 in. (66.04 x 33.02 cm), Cotton, wool, silk, China

Dress, 1890, 51 1/2 x 66in. (130.8 x 167.6cm) (shoulder to bottom edge), cotton, silk; needlework, Syria, 19th century

Woman's munisak robe, c. 1850-1875, 51 1/2 x 62 1/2 in. (130.81 x 158.75 cm), Silk, cotton; ikat velvet, Uzbekistan, 19th century

Woman's Informal Robe with Garden Roundels early 18th century China The roundels on this robe show garden rocks with flowers, fruit, and auspicious elements such as the endless knot and bats ( fu, a homophone with the word for good fortune). At the lower edge of the garment, two pairs of Chinese lions gambol with beribboned balls in a flower-filled garden setting.. Woman's Informal Robe with Garden Roundels 70383

Jacket for a Theatrical Costume 18th century China Three of these exquisite jackets are known to exist: two are in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum and a third is in the Qing court collection of theatrical costumes of the Palace Museum, Beijing. All three have the same delicate floral pattern and identical seals and inscriptions on their linings. The jackets were made in the textile bureau in Suzhou as tribute objects for the imperial court. They were part of an ensemble, perhaps with a skirt or other garment, and they were worn for performances by the Jingshan theatrical troupe in the Changchun Palace, within the Forbidden City.. Jacket for a Theatrical Costume 42110

Jacket, 35 1/2 x 47 in. (90.17 x 119.38 cm), Cotton, China

Jacket, 40 1/2 x 49 in. (102.87 x 124.46 cm), Cotton, China

Coat third quarter 18th century American. Coat 94442

Han Woman's Jacket, late 1800s with additions from 1950s. China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Embroidery, silk; overall: 117.2 x 168.8 cm (46 1/8 x 66 7/16 in.).

Jacket, China

Jacket, 43 1/16 x 53 1/2 in. (109.38 x 135.89 cm), Cotton, China

Jacket, China

Baby Carrier, 30 x 22-3/16 in. (76.2 x 56.4 cm), Cotton, hemp; needlework, China

Hundred Bird Jacket, 30 x 69 1/2 in. (76.2 x 176.53 cm) (without fringe), Silk, cotton, feathers, beads, China

Jacket 19th century. Jacket 85535

Huaxi Jacket, 26 5/8 x 47 3/16 in. (67.63 x 119.86 cm), Cotton, China

Coat, 19th century, 51 5/8 x 63 1/4 in. (131.13 x 160.66 cm), Silk, cotton ikat, Tajikistan, 19th century

Skirt, 20th century, 33 5/8 x 31 3/8 in. (85.41 x 79.69 cm), Cotton; needlework, Vietnam, 20th century

Reversible Fireman's Coat (Hikeshibanten) with Interlocking Circles, Chinese Characters (Kanji) and Ginkgo Leaves. Japan, late Edo (1615-1868)-early Meiji (1868-1912) period, 19th century. Costumes; outerwear. Cotton plain weave, freehand paste-resist dyed (tsutsugaki) and hand-painted pigment, quilted (sashiko)

Jacket, 28 1/4 x 53 11/16 in. (71.76 x 136.37 cm), Cotton, silk, metal buttons, China

Jacket, 20th century, 32 1/2 x 43 3/4 in. (82.6 x 111.13 cm), Cotton, embroidery, batik, China, 20th century

Jacket, 28 1/2 x 45 in. (72.39 x 114.3 cm), Cotton, silk, China

How, Anonymous, 1900 - 1949 Men's jacket with geometric figures. Sarawak cotton (textile) Men's jacket with geometric figures. Sarawak cotton (textile)

Man's coat, Medium: cotton Technique: mordant painted and dyed and resist dyed (chintz) on plain weave, Man's coat of cotton, painted and mordant dyed. Patterns of many groups of small figures, arranged on little 'islands' of color, - hunters, woman with child, man on camel, one elephant, birds, trees, buildings with pointed towers. In colors of red, blue, yellow, green, brown. Figures are small, two inches or less. Repeat about 15' long. The style is long and flaring; deep opening collar to waist, fastened with two small buttons. Opening for hands at sides, 10' long. Sleeves long, pointed, fastened elbow to end with loops and buttons. Trimmed with red cotton; lined with cream-white cotton., India or Iran, early 18th century, costume & accessories, Man's coat

Jacket, 27 x 39 in. (68.58 x 99.06 cm) (cuff to cuff), Silk, cotton, China

Jacket, 28 x 50 1/2 in. (71.12 x 128.27 cm), Cotton, silk, metal sequins, gold colored tape, China

Coat, c. 1900, 52 x 33 in. (132.08 x 83.82 cm) (width at hem), Cotton, Uzbekistan, 19th-20th century

Woman's Waitao (Semiformal Domestic Surcoat). Han-Chinese; China. Date: 1820-1840. Dimensions: 114.7 × 133.8 cm (45 1/8 × 52 5/8 in.). Silk, warp-float faced 7:1 satin weave; embroidered in knot, satin, and stem stitches; sleeve bands: silk, plain weave self-patterned by ground weft floats and areas of 1:1 gauze crossings; embroidered with silk and gold-leaf-over-lacquered-paper-strip-wrapped silk in knot, satin, and split stitches; laid work and couching; edged with silk, warp-float faced 7:1 satin weave with supplementary patterning wefts bound by secondary binding warps and self-patterned by ground weft floats; ribbon: silk and silver-leaf-over-lacquered-paper-strip-wrapped cotton, plain weave with supplementary patterning warps; trim, closures, and ties: silk, warp-float faced 4:1 satin weave; lined with silk, 3:1 twill damask weave; sleeve inner lining: cotton, plain weave. Origin: China. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Chinese Woman's Unofficial Informal Robe, 20th century, L.43-1/4 in., Embroidered satin, China, 20th century, The prominent use of lantern motifs on this robe suggests that it was made to be worn during the lantern festival, celebrated during the middle of the first month of the lunar year. Nearly every Chinese family participated in lantern lighting, New Years vow taking, and lantern processions. Lanterns used in the decoration of chair covers, altar frontals, and outer coats likewise indicate that objects are to be used during the New Year festivities.

Coat (India); cotton foundation, silk embroidery, mirrors

Riding bodice ca. 1750 European. Riding bodice. European. ca. 1750. silk

Baby's jacket, c. 1990, 14 7/8 x 18 1/4 in. (37.78 x 46.36 cm), Cotton, China, 20th century

Surcoat (jinbaori) late 16th century Japan With the arrival of the Portuguese in 1543, Japan became involved in global trade. High-ranking samurai wore luxurious battle surcoats (jinbaori) made from expensive, imported fabrics. This elegant Momoyama-period jinbaori is a very rare typeonly three similar examples are known, all of which belonged to warlords or high-ranking warriors associated with either the general Toyotomi Hideyoshi or shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616). The surcoat’s pleated “skirt” is a Chinese brocaded silk with a gold and silver “dragon and cloud” design. The vest is made of wool imported from the West, an exotic material in late sixteenth-century Japan. On the back of the vest, the flowering wisteria crest of the Nait? family (allies of Ieyasu’s) is appliquéd in white wool felt and decorated with refined cording. The crest was inspired by the fact that one character of the Nait? family name is “wisteria.”. Surcoat (jinbaori). Japan. late 16th century. Silk, metal

Manchu Woman's Informal Robe, early 20th century, 55 1/2 x 65 1/2in. (141 x 166.4cm), Silk damask and embroidered gauze, China, 20th century

Women's wedding robe Longpao unknown

Virgin dress, 1770-1850. Galliera, fashion museum of the city of Paris. 60732-1 Metallic embroidery, metallic lace, face, satin, silk, taffetas, virgin, dress

Apron, 20 1/4 x 13 in. (51.44 x 33.02 cm) (width at waistband), Cotton, China

Dress, late 20th century, 30 1/2 x 52 7/8in. (77.5 x 134.3cm), Cotton, China, 20th century

Outer Vest, from a double-layer coat, 26 13/16 x 18 7/8 in. (68.1 x 47.94 cm), Cotton, silk, China

Robe for a statue, Medium: silk, metallic Technique: plain weave with discontinuous wefts (slit tapestry) Label: silk and metallic slit tapestry (kesi), Small robe, possibly for a statue, with a tiny rounded neckline and asymmetrical closure, with yellow silk ties at the neck and side; side openings are edged with bright blue silk. In yellow silk tapestry weave, kesi, with metallic gold dragons on the front, back, shoulders and sleeves. The ground is filled with clouds motifs in blue and green; flaming pearls, bats, and other auspicious symbols. At the bottom is a deep wave border of multicolored diagonal stripes., This small robe was most likely used to clothe a deity statue in a Daoist temple. The 5-clawed dragon and the bright yellow color were symbols of the Emperor of China, indicating that this robe was an imperial donation to a temple or used to clothe an image of a legendary emperor., China, late 18th century, costume & accessories, Robe for a statue

Jacket

Jacket, 23 1/2 x 50 1/2 in. (59.69 x 128.27 cm), Cotton, China

Ainu costume 19th century Japan. Ainu costume. Japan. 19th century. Elm-bark fiber with appliqué of indigo-dyed tabby (atsushi). Meiji period (1868-1912). Costumes

Blouse early 19th century Romanian. Blouse. Romanian. early 19th century. cotton

Caftan, tie Gabardine unknown

Dress 19th century. Dress 445362

Daoist Robe () 19th century China. Daoist Robe (). China. 19th century. Silk, wool. Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Costumes-Embroidered

Jacket, from a four-piece set, 26 1/8 x 25 3/4 in. (66.36 x 65.41 cm), Cotton, silk, velvet, metallic strips, sequins, China

Imperial Summer Coat for the Empress. Culture: China. Dimensions: 53 x 60 in. (134.62 x 152.40 cm). Date: early 19th century. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

100 Bird Dress', late 20th century, 41 1/2 x 55 in. (105.41 x 139.7 cm), Cotton, feathers, seeds, plastic tube beads, woven ribbon applique, embroidery, China, 20th century

Samurai-Class Womans Summer Formal Outer Robe (Koshimaki). Japan, late Edo period (1615-1868), early 19th century. Costumes; principal attire (upper body). Silk plain weave (nerinuki) with silk and gilt-paper-wrapped-silk-thread embroidery

Jacket, China

Vest. Taffeta of cream silk, embroidery in the past, rod point, knot point, polychrome silk son. 1775-1780. Galliera, fashion museum of the city of Paris. 76117-13 Man's vest, clothing, male mode, clothing, 18th 18th 18th 18th 18th 18th 18th century, Habit

Child's Vest, 13 x 9 1/2 in. (33.02 x 24.13 cm), Cotton, rayon, China

Girl's jacket, c. 1990, 16 13/16 x 37 1/16 in. (42.7 x 94.14 cm), Cotton, synthetic fibers, plastic, China, 20th century

Top Portion of Under Apron, 7 1/2 x 7 1/2 in. (19.05 x 19.05 cm), Silk, cotton, sequins, metallic threads, China

Chinese embroidered silk jacket or coat for a child. Late 18th century

WOMAN'S SKIRT, 19th century, L.32 in., silk, satin, China, 19th century

Dragon Robe, 1851-1861, L.54 3/4 x W.50-3/4 in. (from base of band), silk, China, 19th century

Jacket, 36 1/2 x 65 1/8 in. (92.71 x 165.42 cm), Linen (), cotton, wool (), China

Jacket and Skirt, 20th century, Cotton, China, 20th century

Tunic with Diamond Band. Culture: Inca. Dimensions: W. 29 × L. 35 in. (73.7 × 88.9 cm). Date: 1460-1540.Woven of finely spun cotton and camelid hair threads in double-sided tapestry weave, this Inca tunic, which is longer than it is wide, is made from a single piece of cloth, folded at the shoulder line with a neck opening woven into the middle. It is white with a red waistband with eight stepped diamonds and crosses in yellow and black. Along the bottom, it is embellished with double-sided embroidery stitching. The tunic is identical front and back, inside and out. Ancient foldlines still visible on the shirt indicate that it was once folded into sixteenths to form a small square, probably for storage.It is hardly possible to overemphasize the importance of cloth and clothing in Inca culture. It has been said that no political, military, social, or religious event among the Inca was complete without textiles being exchanged or gifted, burned or sacrificed. In addition, following an

Riding Coat first half 13th century In addition to gold jewelry, affluent people during the Seljuq period and slightly later wore sumptuous silk robes. This coat is identified as a riding coat because of its cut, featuring a flare at the hip. The closing of the robe on the right may reflect a conscious choice by a Persian not to emulate the Turkish style of fastening on the left. The bird, lion, and vegetal motifs all would have had positive symbolic connotations.. Riding Coat 456931

Vest; wool, glazed cotton

Skirt (Part 1), late 1870s-early 1880s. China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Silk, embroidery; overall: 100.5 x 80.7 cm (39 9/16 x 31 3/4 in.).

Woman's Coat, 19th century, L.52 in., Silk, cotton, gold, Russia, 19th century, This luxurious coat presents a constellation of Islamic aesthetic traditions and religious symbols but combined in ways that make it difficult to tell a clear story about its origins or intended use.

Woman's Sleeveless Jacket with Bamboo and Rock late 19th century China This type of sleevless jacket was worn by members of the Qing imperial house.. Woman's Sleeveless Jacket with Bamboo and Rock 42112

Drawstring Waist Pants, c. 1870, 35 1/2 x 23 1/2 in. (90.17 x 59.69 cm), Silk, embroidery, metallic threads, China, 19th century

Dragon Robe, Jiaqing period, 1796-1820, L.58-1/4 x W.54-1/4 in., silk, China, 18th-19th century

Female garment (chenyi) - casual, Manchurian style. unknown, craftsman

Woman's Ceremonial Robe. Culture: China. Dimensions: 53 in. (134.6 cm). Date: 19th century. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Medallion Robe, Jiaqing period, 1796-1820, L.53-7/8 in., silk, China, 18th-19th century

Dress 19th century. Dress 126645

Emperor's Twelve-Symbol Dragon Robe. China, Qing dynasty, Daoguang period, 1821-1850. Costumes; principal attire (entire body). Silk and metal thread, tapestry weave (kesi)

Jacket, 21 9/16 x 57 1/4 in. (54.77 x 145.42 cm), Cotton, China

Babani. Tunic. Silk canvas (muslin) turquoise, embroidery of gold metal wires (palmettes), gold metal wire shop, bronze -colored metallic glass beads. Year 1920. Galliera, fashion museum of the city of Paris. 101861-9 Haute couture, female mode, female model

Apron, China

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