Lot Essay
The xiapei was worn by the wives of Han Chinese officials, who applied badges representing their husband's rank to the front and back.
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18TH CENTURY
Details
A KESI COURT WAISTCOAT, XIAPEI
18TH CENTURY
The xiapei is woven on the front with two five-clawed dragons and on the back with a front-facing five-clawed dragon, all chasing flaming pearls amidst ruyi-shaped clouds, bats, and various birds, above crashing waves interspersed with peonies and auspicious emblems. The hem is hung with green silk netting suspending gilt-metal balls and multicolored silk tassels.
48 ¼ in. (122.6 cm.) long
18TH CENTURY
The xiapei is woven on the front with two five-clawed dragons and on the back with a front-facing five-clawed dragon, all chasing flaming pearls amidst ruyi-shaped clouds, bats, and various birds, above crashing waves interspersed with peonies and auspicious emblems. The hem is hung with green silk netting suspending gilt-metal balls and multicolored silk tassels.
48 ¼ in. (122.6 cm.) long