Court RobeQing Dynasty (1800-1911)China V&A MuseumEmbroidered silk with silk and gold t

Court Robe

Qing Dynasty (1800-1911)

China 

V&A Museum

Embroidered silk with silk and gold threads with coral and pearls, lined with silk damask

Summary:This robe may have been made from various embroidered lengths intended to be tailored into a dress for an Empress, as the embroidery is quite intricate, making generous use of precious materials such as seed pearls and coral. The robe also bears some of the Twelve Imperial insignia, which was restricted for the Emperor’s use.

Although the dress materials were intended for an Empress, it may not have finally been worn by an Empress. Mismatched parts sewn into the robe suggest that it might have been sewn around the end of the Qing Dynasty, perhaps to be traded as an item of curiosity or exotic souvenir.