清早期 刺繡道教袶衣|Daoist priest’s robe

Unknown

18th century · Silk and metallic thread embroidery on satin · Asian Art

This is a formal outfit for Daoist ceremonies, embroidered with a variety of animals that have religious significance. On top of the large roundel containing a pagoda are a red sun with a gold crow on the left and a white moon with a jade rabbit on the right. White cranes, symbols of immortality, are embroidered all over the robe. Along the bottom border is a mixture of different mythical animals, including blue and red dragons, unicorns, dragonfish, and a tortoise entwined with a snake (xuanwu), a mythical creature that symbolizes the north in the Chinese cosmic system. Front of the robe. The two panels along its collar are embroidered with the blue dragon (symbol of the east) and the white tiger (symbol of the west).

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Silk and metallic thread embroidery on satin

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Bequest of William Christian Paul, 1929