XIa Pei, Or Embroidered Ceremonial Jacket—china, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century

19th century
China
Precious ceremonial jacket for women, or Xia Pei, dating from the Qing Dynasty in China. Black silk satin embroidered with floche silk and gold thread depicting dragons surrounded by birds associated with the civil ranks of the mandarin class (peacock, crane, silver pheasant). Three five-clawed dragons, embroidered in Beijing stitch and set with gold thread. Collar trim and borders in silver paper strips (probable alteration to the collar). Polychrome silk fringes with metal discs and black velvet ribbon ties on the sides. Originally fully lined with sky-blue silk pongee. Note: The black satin is structurally fragile and has a few small tears that need restoration, particularly at the shoulders; this is the only defect to note—there are no stains or holes. Stable condition with well-preserved colors. Not wearable; for collection purposes only.

Dimensions: Height 100 cm, shoulders 55 cm, back width 68 cm