Artwork
Man's Robe
DepartmentAsian Art
CultureChinese
Dateearly 20th century
Dimensions56 × 71 1/4 in. (142.2 × 181 cm)
Credit LineSan Antonio Museum of Art, purchased with funds provided by the Bessie Timon Endowment Fund and anonymous donors
Object number2023.2.4
GeographyPlace madeChina, East Asia, Asia
DescriptionThis beautiful robe represents a new vogue of fashion starting at the end of Qing dynasty in the early 20th century. It largely follows the style of robes from the Qing dynasty, however, with a tighter cut and new decorative motif. The robe has a standing collar, tight sleeves, and straight body extending down to a slightly flaring hem. The robe is fastened to the right, with six fabric knot buttons. The robe is decorated with trees of peonies, peaches and crab apples vigorously growing up from piles of rocks. Flying bats and stylized character of shou (longevity) scattered among the trees. Such a motif embodies auspicious meanings and good wishes for the wearer. The motif appears dark against the ground, due to they are formed by the dense, cut pile of the velvet. A patch pocket is at the top of right chest, hidden beneath the overlap. The pocket is for storing a chained watch, an item favored by well-to-do men in the early 20th century.Label TextMan’s Robe
China
Early 20th century
Cut silk velvet on satin weave ground
Purchased with funds provided by the Bessie Timon Endowment Fund and anonymous donors
2023.2.4
This robe represents a new fashion that began in the early twentieth century. It largely follows the style of Qing robes, but features a tighter cut and new decorative motif. Unlike the schematic decorations on earlier robes, this robe has a painterly decoration: peony, peach, and crab apple trees are portrayed with great realism and dominate the entire garment. Flying bats symbolizing luck and the Chinese character shou signifying longevity are scattered among the branches. A patch pocket at the top right chest is hidden beneath the overlap. The pocket was for storing a chained watch, an item popular among well-to-do men during this period.ProvenanceNorma Canelas Roth (1944-2022), Orlando; Norma Canelas Roth estate, 2022-2023; sold, iGavel Auctions, New Braufels, March 14 to 30, 2023, lot 6478350, to San Antonio Museum of ArtNot on view
Collections
William Kent, Burslem, England
Culture: English
Designed ca. 1820; this example made late 19th-early 20th Century
Unkoku School
Culture: Japanese
1600-1868, 17th century
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.
This resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.
