Summer Silk: Qing Dynasty Robes and Signs of the Season

This installation includes two summer silk gauze robes, one created for a man and the other for a woman, and a silk-thread embroidered summer panel of Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons.

The Manchu Style Semi-Formal Summer Court Dragon Robe (Longpao) was created for a male member of the imperial family or a high-ranking Qing dynasty official to wear while engaged in official duties in the palace. The midnight blue Han Style Aristocratic Ladies’ Semi-Formal Summer Surcoat (Waitao) was created for a Qing dynasty aristocratic lady to wear when attending a celebratory gathering or when receiving guests. In addition to the robes, the selected panel of Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons shows a summer garden scene that conveys layered meanings for the viewer.