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2005.5.305 - Blue Silk Tapestry Weave Surcoat for a Man

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Object Typesurcoat Artistunknown Date Madedate unknown

Item Details

Object Typesurcoat Artistunknown Date Madedate unknown
Accession Number 2005.5.305 Title Blue Silk Tapestry Weave Surcoat for a Man Category clothing Object Type surcoat Artist unknown Date Made date unknown Place Made China Culture Chinese Period Qing 19th century Materials dark blue silk with silk and metal-wrapped thread tapestry weave rank badges Materials Glossary Tapestry Weave View Materials Glossary Details » Measurements overall: 121.5 cm x 169 cm; neck to hem: 121.5 cm; cuff to cuff: x 169 cm Description
A dark blue silk surcoat (or bufu) with tapestry woven rank badges on the front and back. There is a crane, recognizable with a red cap on its head, depicted on the square rank badges, identifying the wearer as a…
A dark blue silk surcoat (or bufu) with tapestry woven rank badges on the front and back. There is a crane, recognizable with a red cap on its head, depicted on the square rank badges, identifying the wearer as a first-rank civil official. The position of the sun on the left side of the badge (the wearer's right side) indicates that the wearer is a man. Auspicious symbols, including bats for good fortune and a geometric wan - multiplying good fortune by an infinite amount - in the background, surround the crane and there is a standing water and waves motif below. This surcoat has a typical front opening with five brass buttons, two side vents, and a standing collar. The standing collar is not a typical design feature on surcoats, which can be seen when compared to other examples in the collection, such as Blue Silk Gauze Surcoat for a Man (2005.5.93). This robe design has likely been modified from a traditional surcoat, including longer and narrower sleeves, and may not be typical official’s attire. The lining fabric is a pale blue plain weave silk.
Credit Line Gift of Sandy and Cécile Mactaggart
© 2019 University of Alberta
© 2019 University of Alberta

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"2005.5.305 - Blue Silk Tapestry Weave Surcoat for a Man, Mactaggart Art Collection." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/21-19527. Accessed 08 Jul. 2025.

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