Woman’s Informal Robe China, Qing dynasty, about 1900 Silk gauze Neusteter Textile Collection: Gift of Mrs. R. Christiansen Hansen 1974.10 To see robe details (two), roll your cursor over the image and click when the arrow changes shape.

At first glance, this robe may appear rather plain compared to the others on display. The gauze weave itself, however, is more complex and provides a textured “sesame seed” background as well as a subtle medallion pattern of dragons reaching for a pearl. This elegant and understated robe belonged to a Manchu lady in the circle of Empress Dowager Cixi.


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