Woman's informal coat with flower-and-bird designs

This loose-fitting, half-length outer coat, with its right-sided opening, typifies a comfortable style that was fashionable in women’s clothing from the late Qing dynasty through the early Republic period. Wearing it over trousers or a long skirt allows women to move more easily. The motifs on this robe celebrate spring, prosperity, happy marriage, and fertility. The radiant colors—turquoise, cobalt, pale blue, gold, silver, and pinkish hues—create an elegant harmony.

The design on the outside—woven patterns of bamboo and plum—is repeated on the trims. The wide sleeves show motifs ranging from ocean waves to a lotus basket, water chestnuts, and a peach accompanied by a bat. An embroidered flowerand- bird design adorns the blue trims and bands.