Artwork Page for Woman's Bridal Dress, Tabard

Details / Information for Woman's Bridal Dress, Tabard

Woman's Bridal Dress, Tabard

1800s

China, Qing dynasty

(1644-1911)
View all records in artwork set
Medium
Silk, gilt-metal thread; embroidery
Measurements
Overall: 111.8 x 73.7 cm (44 x 29 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Elizabeth Wade Sedgwick 2005.135.3
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

A rank badge applied on the front and back shows that the bride married a man of high official rank.

Description

This three-piece bridal dress includes a dragon jacket, pleated skirt, and 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 three-quarter-length sleeveless tabard completes the outfit, with a front closure, open sides secured by cloth bands, and a colorful tasseled fringe around the hem. Dragons, water, and clouds are embroidered on the silk ground.
An ornately embroidered, vertically oriented sleeveless silk garment swarms with gold dragons facing each other amidst stylized birds. Above colorful diagonal wave patterns, glinting gilt threads outline clouds and floral motifs. Long ribbon-like ties dangle from the open front. A central square rank badge features a pair of birds above churning water. Below the hem, a dense fringe of long multicolored tassels in blue, red, and purple hangs. Vibrant pink lining shows at the neck.

Woman's Bridal Dress, Tabard

1800s

China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork