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Accession Number 2005.5.105 Title Silk Brocade Tibetan Chuba Category clothing Object Type robe Artist unknown Date Made date unknown Place Made Tibet Culture Tibetan Period 20th century Materials orange-brown silk damask brocaded with silk and metal-wrapped threads Materials Glossary Brocade; Damask View Materials Glossary Details » View Materials Glossary Details » Measurements overall: 143.5 cm x 200.4 cm; neck to hem: 143.5 cm; cuff to cuff: x 200.4 cm Description

This robe is a traditional style of Tibetan robe, or a chuba, made from yellowish-orange damask with vivid brocade, on the top and the bands on cuffs and skirt, woven together into one fabric, which was imported from…

This robe is a traditional style of Tibetan robe, or a chuba, made from yellowish-orange damask with vivid brocade, on the top and the bands on cuffs and skirt, woven together into one fabric, which was imported from China. In Tibet it was constructed in the local style: right side opening with overlapping front, long narrow sleeves, and a full length hem.

The pattern design was influenced by a Ming-era court robe cloth from the 17th century, or possibly even earlier. Two large dragons wind across the shoulders in a petal shape and a band along the hem and cuffs features more dragons. The yellowish-orange ground fabric is satin damask with cloud motifs.

Underneath the overlap there are patches cut from different fabrics and pieced together. The lining is a green cotton cloth printed with dragon and auspicious motifs. This printed cotton can be traced to the early 20th century. The robe demonstrates how Tibetans used vintage Chinese silk and new cotton fabric to create their unique style of garment.

Read More + Credit Line Gift of Sandy and Cécile Mactaggart