Lady's jacket

清朝五彩染緞女夾瞕

This unusual Chinese jacket is made from dyed silk imported from Okinawa. It is dyed with butterflies and medallions made up of the Eight Buddhist Symbols and attributes of the Eight Immortals. It has three rows of trimmings. The outer one of brown silk is appliquéd with endless knots and heads of the wish-granting wand (ruyi tou), implying a wish for longevity and wishful fullfilllment. The two imported trims show green bats (blessings) and blue-and white-decorations. The five gilt buttons with the Western-style flat tops are embellished with floral decorations.