Woman’s robe with dragon medallions

The overall design of this garment, a panel draping right over left with an opening fastened with buttons, slit sides, and sleeves with flared cuffs, is consistent with that of Manchu men’s robes (see example on view in this galley), but the wider sleeves with an extra trim band above the cuff suggest that this is a woman’s robe.

Motifs and colors indicate the wearer’s status. For instance, the five-clawed dragon against a yellow background was the sole privilege of an emperor and empress. The dragon with four or fewer claws was designated for informal occasions, and middle-level royal members such as concubines and princes.

Here, nine dragon medallions make up the imperial insignia; each includes a supreme five-clawed golden dragon, surrounded by various treasures, heavenly clouds, bats, and characters for longevity. Decorations around the hem show the East Ocean, the legendary Daoist paradise, with auspicious symbols scattered among the foam.