Woman's Vest
Artist:
Unknown
Culture: Chinese
Dynasty: Qing
Date: 19th century
Medium: Silk
Dimensions:
length: 43 1/2 in. (110.5 cm)
width: 25 1/2 in. (64.8 cm)
Credit Line: San Antonio Museum of Art, gift of Bessie Timon
Object number: 68.40.297
Label Text
This sleeveless over garment was intended to be worn over a woman’s semiformal robes. The armholes are generously cut accommodate the robe worn underneath. Although, for the most part, women from the elite class didn’t attend as many public events as their husband, they too wore formal dress that matched their husbands’ status when the occasion demanded. Here, the square insignia with a mandarin duck on the chest indicates the rank of the wearer’s husband (an identical insignia appears on the back). The intricate tasseled fringe at the hem helps to increase the length of this vest. Just above the hem, stylized swirling waves and mountain peaks recall similar designs found on the semiformal robe nearby.
Not 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.
This resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.
