Woman's jacket of light blue figured silk wiith wide straight sleeves. The collar, front opening, which fastens at right side, cuffs, hem and part way up sides are decorated with border of white silk embroidered with scenes with women in a garden scene, pine trees, willow, bamboo, garden rocks and flowers (chrysanthemum, plum blossom, lotus) and butterflies, bats and insects. The women are undertaking tasks associated with the literati, such as fishing, playing the lute and reading. The lower border cut away in a swirl at the top of the sides. Sleeve ends have a width of cream silk embroidered with peonies, fragrant olives and birds, incorporating gold metal thread, on back part. Borders edged on the inside with lengths of braiding. Fastened with four metal buttons and loops of green piping, which is also used along the edge of the hem and neck. Two metal buttons (tin?) show hands holding flowers. Length 36"; width 56" (cuff to cuff).
This jacket and its matching skirt originally belonged to the donor’s uncle who was in business in Shanghai during the early part of the 20th century.
