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Gold Silk Tapestry Weave Tibetan Chuba

Unknownc. 1573-1700

University of Alberta Museums

University of Alberta Museums
Edmonton, Canada

This robe is a traditional style of Tibetan robe, or a chuba, made from tapestry woven silk fabric, or kesi. The fabric of the robe is splendid, with a gold thread background and colourful patterns. The design features four dragons in purple, green, red, and blue colours placed on the robe's front, back and shoulders. These five-clawed dragons seem to playfully frolic among lotuses, peonies, chrysanthemums and other flowers. Rocks, waves and clouds decorate the bottom of the robe, near the hem. Among these rocks are auspicious motifs, including two persimmons in a bottle, coloured pearls, gold bullion bars and other items.
The design of the fabric reflects the influence of the Chinese imperial style, yet it was not initially made for a robe in China; it was made for a wall hanging. The Tibetan owner made the fabric into a chuba to fit his needs.

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  • Title: Gold Silk Tapestry Weave Tibetan Chuba
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Creator Nationality: Tibetan
  • Date Created: c. 1573-1700
  • Location Created: Tibet
  • Physical Dimensions: Overall: 134.7 cm x 211.6 cm; Neck to hem: 134.7 cm; Cuff to cuff: x 211.6 cm
  • Type: Robe
  • Contributor: Gift of Sandy and Cécile Mactaggart
  • Rights: Public Domain
  • External Link: https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/21-19475
  • Medium: metal-wrapped thread and silk tapestry weave
University of Alberta Museums

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