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Accession Number 2005.5.96 Title Gold Ground Silk Tapestry Weave Tibetan Chuba Category clothing Object Type robe Artist unknown Date Made 1644-1661 Place Made Tibet Culture Tibetan Period Qing 17th century Materials silk, metal-wrapped thread and peacock-feather wrapped thread tapestry weave Materials Glossary Tapestry Weave View Materials Glossary Details » Measurements overall: 124.8 cm x 131.5 cm; neck to hem: 124.8 cm; cuff to cuff: x 131.5 cm Description

This silk overcoat has a front opening and a round neckline without a collar. It was made as a Tibetan-style surcoat from a luxury gold tapestry yardage that initially belonged to the Qing imperial court robe in the…

This silk overcoat has a front opening and a round neckline without a collar. It was made as a Tibetan-style surcoat from a luxury gold tapestry yardage that initially belonged to the Qing imperial court robe in the 17th century. The design features two ascending dragons on the front panels, a single dragon on the back, two smaller dragons on the shoulders and two pairs of dragons emerging from waves along the hem.

The silk tapestry was woven with gold-wrapped thread, with colourful patterns of four-claw dragons, clouds, and waves woven with multi-colour silk threads. The dragon body was woven with peacock-feather twisted yarns, making the silk more vibrant. Tibetan aristocrats wore this splendid tapestry overcoat during ceremonial festivals.

Read More + Credit Line Gift of Sandy and Cécile Mactaggart