Object size: Skirt 102.0 x 179.5 cm
This bridal tunic is one of the outfits worn as part of the twelve day Peranakan Chinese wedding. It is a T-shaped garment with wide, straight sleeves. Made of red silk, it is richly embroidered with auspicious symbols in gold and silk thread couchings. A lotus motif, highlighted in red and pink embroidery, occupies the centre of the tunic. The lotus symbolises purity, a desirable virtue for the bride. Similarly, the phoenix and peony, which are also found on this tunic, are recurrent motifs on Peranakan wedding garments. This tunic is designed in the style of Chinese imperial court robes (jifu). Stylistic similarities include the terrestrial diagram and diagonal parallel (lishui) stripes on the lower portion of the tunic. It also has a collar opening in the style of Ming dynasty robes. The bride wore this tunic along with a pleated silk skirt.
