Artwork Page for Woman's Bridal Dress, Pleated Skirt

Details / Information for Woman's Bridal Dress, Pleated Skirt

Woman's Bridal Dress, Pleated Skirt

1800s

China, Qing dynasty

(1644-1911)
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Medium
Silk, gilt-metal thread; embroidery
Measurements
Overall: 94.6 x 86.4 cm (37 1/4 x 34 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Elizabeth Wade Sedgwick 2005.135.2
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

This three-piece bridal dress includes a dragon jacket, a pleated skirt, and a tabard, a short loose-fitting sleeveless vest. The ensemble reveals the high rank of her husband even though it did not fall under the scope of the Qing Dynasty sumptuary laws.

The pleated turquoise skirt, with six embroidered panels that feature dragons in the front and back, would be worn beneath the red dragon jacket (2005.135.1).
A muted teal silk pleated skirt features vertical panels framed by narrow, dark floral borders. A darker waistband crowns the garment, while a white cord drops from the top left. At the center bottom, an ornately embroidered dragon faces forward above sweeping multicolored diagonal bands. Similar bird figures decorate flanking side panels, perched atop vibrant stripes. Gilt-metal threads create a glinting effect across these mythical motifs and intricately woven patterns.

Woman's Bridal Dress, Pleated Skirt

1800s

China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

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