A brown cheongsam with square motifs and piping

Title
A brown cheongsam with square motifs and piping
Year/Period
1960s-1980s
Region
Singapore
Dimension
Gross measurement: 109.2 x 67 cm
Accession No.
2011-00047
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Irene Lim

This is a brown cheongsam with square motifs all over and pink piping. This calf-length piece is made from Fuji silk, a material from China. It is extremely soft and drapes very well.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’.