second half 19th-early 20th century
This waist-length jacket has straight sides with a short vent on either side; a high neck with a short, standing collar; and wrist-length sleeves of even width from shoulder to wrist. The jacket opens down the front and is secured by three spherical brass buttons that fit through corresponding loops. The silk ground of the brocade is a light rust color; the designs of dragons and cranes amid clouds above rocks and waves are woven in threads of various colors, including gold-colored metallic ones. The jacket is trimmed in light and dark green and it is fully lined. The heavy brocade and the full lining indicate that this jacket was for use during cool seasons.
H. 70.5 x W. (across sleeves) 152.4 cm (27 3/4 x 60 in.)
Mrs. Simon Kuznets purchased at an antique store in Beijing (Summer 1946).
Textile fibers
20th centuryGermanWool and linen
5th-6th centuryByzantineTextile fibers
17th centuryFlemishBook of swatches mounted on paper (56 sheets)
19th-20th centuryJapaneseSilk with metallic yarns filé
17th centuryArmenian