Bridal Robe

This red robe decorated with eight medallions was probably worn by a Manchu bride in the late 19th century. A Manchu bride wore a non-official formal robe with horse-hoof cuffs and eight medallions. Later in the Qing Dynasty, this design of garment became predominantly red, reflecting the influence of this auspicious ‘Chinese’ colour. Over this red robe, a dark blue or black surcoat was worn which is similar to the Museum’s object A5919. Long and vibrant stripes of 'wave' patterns in iridescent colours appear at the bottom of the dress surmounted by three mountain peaks of immortality and some Buddhist symbols. These types of motifs are known as ‘Mountain and sea: clouds and waves: isles of the immortals’. Designs like these, which commonly appear in Chinese robes and surcoats, come from ancient Chinese beliefs. From very early times, the search for long life and immortality was a primary concern of the Chinese. The ancient Chinese believed that it was possible to find the secret of long life by visiting the immortals who dwelled on the Isles of Blest in the Eastern Sea. It was believed these spiritual beings had flesh as smooth as ice and skin as white as snow. As gentle as young girls, they required no food to sustain life, but inhaled the wind and drank the dew.