Manchu Women's Informal Full Length Robe, Late Qing dynasty (1840-1911)

Description:

This photo is a closer feature of a commonly worn robe style by upper class Manchu women on the streets. It was likely paired with a high headdress and high platform slippers. The featured motifs of narcissus, begonia, chrysanthemum, winter plum, winter jasmine and butterflies dancing in the flowers were meant to promote good wishes such as wealth, health, happiness, fertility, love, and promotion.