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Summer Robe

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

• Images(2)

Summer Robe

DepartmentAsian Art

CultureChinese

Date19th century

MediumMulticolored silk painted slit tapestry weave (kesi), gold thread, gilt bronze buttons

Dimensions54 × 54 in. (137.2 × 137.2 cm)

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

Object number2023.2.5

Geography

Place madeChina, East Asia, Asia

DescriptionThis stunningly beautiful summer robe is decorated with scattered butterflies and flower baskets against a coral red ground. Details of the butterflies and flowers are painted on the fabric. A gold band edged by blue satin encircles the neck opening and follows down on the overflap to the right side. The robe is fastened with gilt bronze toggle buttons in the shape of lotus pods. This robe has a simple but elegant tailoring, complemented by a bold color scheme. This is rarely seen in other types of robes for women from the imperial or elite families. Butterflies, flower baskets and lotus pods all have rich meanings associated with Chinese religious beliefs; they also suggest feminine virtues, such as beauty, purity and chastity.Label TextSummer Robe China Qing dynasty (1644-1911), 19th century Multicolored silk, painted slit tapestry weave (kesi), gold wrapped silk yarn, gilt bronze buttons Purchased with funds provided by the Bessie Timon Endowment Fund and anonymous donors 2023.2.5 This beautiful robe is decorated with butterflies and flower baskets scattered on a coral red ground. The butterfly and flower details are painted on the fabric. The robe is fastened with gilt bronze toggle buttons in the shape of lotus pods. This robe has a simple but elegant tailoring, complemented by a bold palette. Butterflies, flower baskets, and lotus pods all have rich meanings that suggest feminine virtues. Kesi tapestry has been produced in China for more than a thousand years. Due to the long and labor-intensive weaving process, kesi was considered a luxury fabric only the powerful and rich could afford to enjoy. that suggestProvenanceNorma Canelas Roth (1944-2022), Orlando; Norma Canelas Roth estate, 2022-2023; sold, iGavel Auctions, New Braufels, March 14 to 30, 2023, lot 6478388, to San Antonio Museum of Art

Not on view

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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.