Woman's short coat

Women of the late Qing to early Republic era (around 1850–1950) might have worn elaborately decorated coats such as this to celebratory events. This garment was designed to be worn over trousers or a long skirt, providing the wearer both comfort and ease of mobility.

In this lavish example, the top is decorated with trims varying in width. All are sewn parallel along the edges of the coat. Embroidered on wide bands are colorful landscapes with scenes of boys amid flowers and butterflies, playing or boating, all traditional subjects for blessing women with happiness and many sons. Around the collars and the opening, trim pieces form symmetrical ruyi mushroom heads, a motif known as the wish-granting wand.