Title
Mandarin robe
Year/Period
late 19th or early 20th century
Region
China
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 143.0 x 214.0 cm
Accession No.
2018-00880
Collection of
This blue robe is embroidered with auspicious motifs in gold and silk thread including dragons chasing flaming pearls, amidst stylised clouds, with waves and mountains at the hem. Prominent Peranakans and Chinese of Southeast Asia have been documented to purchase titles from China themselves in the 19th century as a status symbol, and been photographed in them. Peranakan Chinese men wear a variety of clothing which reflect their hybrid styles and identities but for formal and ceremonial occasions especially in the 19th century, Chinese style dress was the preferred choice.
