ITEM: 15.01.2021

Description:

Blue silk brocade Chinese ao or ru robe for a woman part of an ensemble called a ruchung. The ru is one of the staple garments of both everyday and formal dress for Chinese women during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912). Very fine delicate embroidery of scenes and people along edges and embroidery of butterflies at cuffs. Asymmetric front closure.

Date:

This garment probably dates from between 1900-1912

Condition Notes:

Fair condition, silk is delicate but intact some seams are separating slightly and the embroidery shows signs of wear, overall stable

Acquisition and Provenance:

Probably donated by Glenda Haseler (found in a perspex box in the pattern cutting studio)