Woman's Informal Robe

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Woman's Informal Robe

Dynasty: Qing

Date: ca. 1900

Medium: Embroidered and brocaded silk with silk and metallic threads, and sable fur

Dimensions:

53 1/4 × 75 1/4 in. (135.3 × 191.1 cm)

Credit Line: San Antonio Museum of Art, purchased with funds provided by the Bessie Timon Endowment Fund and anonymous donors

Object number: 2023.2.3

Provenance: Sold, Christie's, New York, March 21, 1997, lot 272 to Norma Canelas Roth (1944-2022), Orlando; Norma Canelas Roth estate, 2022-2023; sold, iGavel Auctions, New Braufels, March 14 to 30, 2023, lot 6478308, to San Antonio Museum of Art.

Label Text

Woman’s Informal Robe
China
Qing dynasty (1644-1911), c. 1900
Embroidered and brocade silk and gold-wrapped silk yarn, and sable fur
Purchased with funds provided by the Bessie Timon Endowment Fund and anonymous donors
2023.2.3

This robe is lavishly embroidered with branches of peony flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and blue on a light green ground. The creamy white fabric inside the sleeves is also embroidered with blooms. The wearer would fold up the sleeves to reveal the design. The garment’s inner lining is made of patterned sable fur, a highly prized material known for its light, soft texture and as great insulation against cold weather. Folding sleeves are a unique style of the late Qing dynasty; some women’s robes from this period have up to four layers of folding sleeves.

On view

The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.

Artwork

Woman's Informal Robe

Woman's Informal Robe