Chinese Winter Coat

The Chinese Winter coat was an essential part of official dress in China. It was worn on top of a robe and has a front opening, unlike a robe which gets fastened on the side and has a flap. This informal woman’s winter surcoat was adapted from a robe, as can be seen from the pattern.

This surcoat is a brocade featuring polychrome silk and metallic braiding. It has adapted lambswool lining and buttons which line the opening from the front.

The design features a celestial landscape on a blue ground with eight five-clawed dragons in pursuit of the pearl of wisdom, clouds, water, fish, and birds.