Mandarin robe

Title
Mandarin robe
Year/Period
early 20th century
Region
Malaysia or Singapore
Object Type
robes (main garments)
Material
silk (textile), glass (material), metal thread, sequins (spangles)
Technique
embroidering
Dimension
Object size: 109.5 x 178.5 cm
Accession No.
2019-00398
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr and Mrs Lee Kip Lee
NLB Type
Costume

This mandarin robe with decorative badges was worn by a Peranakan groom. The robe consists of a loose and long robe reaching down the ankle and is split at the sides. Both the front and back badges were identical in design and embroidered onto the robe. As the robe was opened at the centre front, the front badge was bisected to accommodate the opening, while the back badge was in one piece. The badge depicts a phoenix standing on rockwork emerging from breaking waves, amidst ruyi-shaped clouds, bats, sun, lotuses and other auspicious emblems. The central design is contained within a wide border band. The badges were made using metallic thread embroidery and beadwork embroidery. Metallic-wrapped threads, embellishments, sequins and coloured seed beads were applied to achieve the varied textures.