Surcoat

Title

Surcoat

Year/Period

Circa 1882–1895

Region

China

Object Type

Chinese court dress

Material

silk (textile), gold thread, kesi

Technique

embroidering, textile processes and techniques, sewing (needleworking technique)

Dimension

Object size: 125.0 x 170.0 cm,
Object size: 115.0 x 181.3 cm

Accession No.

2021-00047

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

Credit Line

Gift of the family of C.K. and S.Y. Kwok.

This surcoat from navy official Kwok Ching Tong 郭靖堂 (1861–1938) features a rank badge with panther insignia, indicating it was worn by a Qing government official of the 6th rank. The panther looks towards the sun, signifying loyalty to the emperor. This exemplifies the proverb "to point at the sun and gain promotion" (zhi ri gao sheng). Embroidered in silk and metal threads using satin stitch and couching techniques, the rank badge features five bats, each with a wan motif (“countless”), a rebus for wu fu lin men 五福临门 ("five blessings descend upon this home"). The border has two variations of the Chinese character for longevity shou.