Man's Robe
Place made:China, Asia
Culture: Chinese
Date: early 20th century
Dimensions:
56 × 71 1/4 in. (142.2 × 181 cm)
Credit Line: San Antonio Museum of Art, purchased with funds provided by the Bessie Timon Endowment Fund and anonymous donors
Object number: 2023.2.4
Provenance: Norma 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 Art
Label Text
Man’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.
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.
On view
In Collection(s)
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.
