Woman's Informal Coat
NameCoat
CultureManchu
DateLate 19th century
Place madeChina, East Asia, Asia
MediumSilk and metallic thread
Dimensions46 × 83 in. (116.8402 × 210.8204 cm)
Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Lloyd E. Cotsen and the Neutrogena Corporation, A.1995.93.385
Object numberA.1995.93.385
DescriptionThe jacket has a flared body and long rectangular sleeves and closes on the proper right (front) side. It is composed mostly of a blue silk damask (depicting peonies and other flowers) and is embroidered in multi-colored silk with peonies, phoenix, butterflies, fruits and smaller blossoms. The edges are trimmed with embroidered silk (of a different ground color) with smaller versions of the same fruits, flowers, etc. as are found on the body of the coat. The long sleeves have a 14" trim composed of bands of embroidered silk (each strip is approximately 1 1/2"W) which alternate with the narrower ribbons. Again, the embroideries found here are smaller versions of the same motifs. A dark silk piping finishes all the edges.