Chinese black and white silk jacket with embroidered details
Chinese black and white silk jacket with colorful embroidered flowers on black strips with blue borders along the white sections' edges all over the jacket, embroidered butterfly and other design near the front collar. Stains (probably water) at the bottom of the light blue silk lining.
Approximately 24" from collar to bottom, and 60" from cuff to cuff when the sleeves are stretched out.
Inherited
Yes
Hello,
This Chinese silk jacket, likely dating from the late Qing Dynasty (circa 1880–1911) to the early Republic period (1912–1930s), reflects the stylistic transition between court attire and more regionally inspired garments. Such jackets, often part of a woman’s formal ensemble, were typically crafted from rich silk and decorated with intricate embroidery symbolizing prosperity, longevity, and happiness. The use of butterflies and floral motifs corresponds with auspicious symbolism in traditional Chinese iconography, often associated with love, transformation, and harmony.
Material Analysis and Condition:
The jacket is composed of black and white silk panels, accented with colorful hand embroidery on the trim and collar areas. The decorative bands, featuring butterflies and floral elements, are finely worked and indicate a high level of needlecraft. The presence of water stains on the pale blue silk lining, while unfortunate, is relatively common in antique textiles and can often be stabilized or reduced through conservation. The general structural integrity appears sound, and the embroidery retains its color vibrancy. The measured dimensions (24” collar to bottom; 60” sleeve span) suggest it was designed as an overgarment, probably for a petite frame, and may have been worn on formal occasions.
