Unofficial women's summer jacket with removable collar, Chin - Lot 236

Unofficial women's summer jacket with removable collar, China, late 19th - 20th century The light silk jacket with blue damask background is decorated with the eight precious objects of Buddhism (endless knot, fish, canopy, parasol, vase, lotus, wheel and conch) among flowers. Slightly slit at the sides, it closes at the front with six silk buttons and eyelets. The small, straight collar is surrounded by a wide beige collar known as a "cloud shoulder" yu jian, a symbol of good fortune, whose design of women in flowering gardens is repeated on all the decorative bands around the garment. The wide, straight sleeves are finished with beige satin bands embroidered with women in water gardens. The removable, openwork collar is composed of small polychrome silk pieces forming embroidered and assembled butterflies, flowers and leaves. The neckband is in red silk embroidered with golden threads forming lingzhi heads. Jacket height: 100 cm; total collar width: 35 cm