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This jacket is representative of late Qing Dynasty to early Republic era attire (c. 1890–1930), worn by Han Chinese women during formal or festive occasions. The use of richly symbolic embroidery—flowers, butterflies, and knots—indicates it was likely tailored for a woman of cultural refinement. The swirling yellow borders and decorative paneling reflect the lingering aesthetic influence of Qing court design, even as tailoring evolved in the early 20th century to accommodate more regionally expressive styles. The symbolic motifs (e.g., butterflies for joy, infinite knots for longevity) were common on celebratory garments, suggesting this jacket may have been worn during seasonal festivals or family rites.

Material Analysis and Condition:
Crafted from black silk satin, the jacket features irregularly shaped lavender silk panels accented by yellow embroidered borders with multicolored floral and insect motifs. The visible elements—such as the stylized infinity knots and detailed leaf patterns—are executed in satin and split stitch, a hallmark of southern Chinese embroidery. The front frog closure is intact, and the interior light blue lining is well-preserved. While there may be slight wrinkling or handling wear, the embroidery appears clear and vivid. No major structural damage is noted in the provided photos, indicating a well-preserved example despite its age.