清 緞地彩繡纓絡紋羅漢衣|Theatrical skirt with designs from Buddhist jewelry

Unknown

18th century · Silk and metallic-thread embroidery on silk satin, brocade borders · Asian Art

The pattern of this skirt—part of a theatrical ensemble with matching jacket 30.76.22—features peony leaves and flowers on the shoulders, above a band of scrollwork that resolves into a pair of confronting dragons. The lower part of the pattern consists of suspended beads, punctuated by various auspicious motifs—endless knots, swastikas (wan in Chinese, meaning “ten thousand” and signifying eternality), bats, coins, musical stones, and ribbons. These decorations are often found on Buddhist jewelry (yingluo) usually worn by a bodhisattva.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Silk and metallic-thread embroidery on silk satin, brocade borders

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1930