Han / China
Qing Dynasty, late 19th century
Silk, gold thread, metal buttons, dyes
This red garment in the style of a dragon's robe is richly embroidered with motives from Han-Chinese mythology: ten four-clawed dragons, peonies, bats and other symbols of good fortune adorn the back and front as well as the wide sleeves. The garment's lower border is decorated with wave ornaments from which the world mountain grows. The number of dragons shown on the garment gives information on the status of the woman wearing it: four-clawed dragons were the token of officials and nobles. In China, red is a symbol of wealth.
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