Title
A gold lace cheongsam with wide sleeves
Year/Period
1960s-1980s
Region
Singapore
Dimension
Gross measurement: 111.2 x 74.2 cm
Accession No.
2011-00061
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Irene Lim
This is a gold lace cheongsam with wide sleeves. This piece bears the imprint of a European-inspired design, as seen in the use of lace and wide, fluid sleeves. Cheongsams made from lace were usually reserved for more formal occasions.The cheongsam is a ubiquitous Chinese dress that first gained popularity in the early 20th century and was an essential part of a typical woman’s wardrobe. It has its origins in the originally long robes worn by Manchu women of the Qing Dynasty. The cheongsam is usually bespoked to ensure a fitted silhouette and its other distinctive features include a high collar, side slits at the hem and a decorative knot and loop fastener for the collar or shoulder flap, called the ‘hua niu’.
