Birthday Ceremonial Robe Embroidered with Long Life Characters in Couched Gold Thread

Bai shou yi (百壽衣,“robe of one hundred longevities”) typically were presented by dutiful children to an elderly parent, especially on the occasion of their sixtieth birthday. The repetition of “long life” characters across the face of the robe was viewed by many Chinese as imparting a magical power that extended the life of the wearer.