Title
Qipao
Year/Period
20th century
Region
Indonesia
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 131.0 x 45.6 cm
Accession No.
2021-00088
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Suan Thung-Brooks in memory of her grandparents
Defining features of a qipao (cheongsam in Cantonese) include a high collar, side slits at the hem, and ornamental fastenings at its collar and lapel. Having evolved from Manchu dress, the qipao was a departure from the two-piece jacket and skirt (aoqun) worn by both Han and Manchu women in the late Qing period. The qipao was popular in Shanghai starting from the late 1920s and was quickly embraced by young nyonyas in the Dutch East Indies and Straits Settlements. Early styles featured loose-fitting silhouettes and long hem lines that reached the ankles, like this qipao. This qipao belonged to Tan Touw Nio (1890–1976)
