Costume and Textiles

Manchu Woman's Semiformal Waistcoat

This waistcoat, which was probably made for the Empress Dowager Tz'u-hsi (1835-1908), is decorated with symbols of spring, including grass orchids and plum blossoms on cracked ice. Each button is decorated with a magpie on a flowering plum tree.

Made in China

Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Guangxu Period (1875-1903), c. 1885-1905

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

Silk, slit tapestry (kesi) weave

Center Back Length: 28 1/2inches (72.4cm)

Currently not on view

1967-30-334