A RED GAUZE LADY'S INFORMAL ROBE
Circa 1900
Embroidered in satin stitch with medallions of crane, butterfly, and peony in shades of white, blue, red, pink, purple and green above a wide lishui stripe, the sleeves with similar motifs, the collar and cuffs with a band of geometric patterns on a pale blue ground
54¼in. (137.8cm.) long
Lot Essay
Red-ground non-official coats became popular for Manchu women in the 19th century. Decorated with symbols of longevity, they may have been worn as birthday or other festive occasion costumes.