清 暗花彩緞女戯衣|Woman's Theatrical Jacket
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Silk damask applique, silk thread embroidery on satin, plain weave silk
Dimensions
Overall: 33 1/2 x 114 in. (85.1 x 289.6 cm)
Classification
Costumes-Embroidered
Culture & Period
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Alan Priest, 1962
Accession Number
62.27.2
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Woman's Theatrical Jacket, crafted in 19th-century China during the Qing dynasty (164–1911), exemplifies opulent world of Chinese opera costumes. as "Qing An Hua Cai Duan Nü Xi Yi" in Chinese, it was designed for female performers, likely in regional or Peking opera traditions, where elaborate attire transformed actors into mythical heroes, virtuous maidens, or cunning spirits. The jacket's impressive length—over 9 feet—allowed for dramatic sweeping gestures on stage, enhancing the theatrical spectacle that captivated audiences in imperial theaters. Made from luxurious silk dam...