A fine example of a Chinese Manchurian lady's Waistcoat, Qing…
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A fine example of a Chinese Manchurian lady's Waistcoat, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), circa 1870, worn by a lady in waiting to the Empress of China. The bright blue silk damask, woven with butterflies and prunus blossom. The black borders are embroidered with bamboo, cherry blossom and more butterflies. The black border is edged with a ribbon of flowers. Lined in turquoise blue silk. Extremely unusual and exceptionally elegant, 76 x 140 cm, in perspex case measuring 131 cm wide, 16 cm deep, 162 cm high. Provenance: Purchased from Linda Wrigglesworth, London in 1991, 'Echoes from china' Exhibition, Irving Galleries, 3203, catalogue no. 128. Other Notes: It was the waistcoats 'Chaogua', worn over the court robes that gave the women's court dress its distinctive patterns. All were blue-black in background, though their rich decoration was subtly expressive of the Imperial splendour of the court.

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  • Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
  • Ming Dynasty - The Ming Dynasty was a ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644. It succeeded the Yuan Dynasty and preceded the Qing Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty was established by Zhu Yuanzhang, a former Buddhist monk who became a rebel leader and eventually overthrew the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, China experienced a period of relative stability and prosperity. The government was centralized and bureaucratic, with the emperor at the top of the hierarchy. The Ming Dynasty is known for its cultural achievements, including the development of porcelain, the invention of movable type printing, and the construction of the Great Wall of China.

  • Qing Dynasty - The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912. It was established by the Manchu people, who originated from the northeastern region of China. The Qing Dynasty was preceded by the Ming Dynasty and followed by the Republic of China.
  • Damask - Damask is a type of fabric that is characterized by its glossy finish, smooth texture, and intricate designs. The fabric is typically made from a combination of silk and other natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, and is often used to make clothing, upholstery, and other decorative items.

    The origins of damask fabric can be traced back to ancient Rome and the Byzantine Empire, where it was used to make clothing and other textiles.

    The fabric is made by weaving the fabric in such a way that the design is created by the different reflectivity of the warp and weft threads, rather than by the use of dyed threads. The designs are often floral or geometric patterns and can be very intricate. The effect is a reversible fabric, with a glossy pattern on one side and a matte pattern on the other.

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