Late Qing Dynasty(1860~1890’s)

Length: 100 cm

Width: 140 cm

This Chinese Tao shirt is an example of the fashion known as “Min style,” which derived from Fujian Province in Southern China and was pervasive in Taiwan during late Qing Dynasty. Featuring a stand-up collar with the right diagonal lapel and a five-same length slit, the garment is loose and with wide sleeves. The garment has two 20-cm slits with worm embroidery at the top for reinforcement.

 

The garment is of light blue fabric with butterfly and floral patterns. The edging that extends along the collar, placket, and lower hem of the garment is of blue jacquard satin and embroidered with colorful flower and butterfly motifs, with stylized clouds replacing that embroidery near the slit. Both of the sleeve cuffs of green satin fabric, and are done in chartreuse embroidery with butterfly and floral patterns, and also pattern with shou characters (meaning long life).

On the collar are sewn a single fabric button along with five gilt bronze buttons with floral carvings. The overall design is rendered with exquisite craftsmanship in a show of elegance and delicacy. Without any lining, this garment was meant to be worn in summer.