Manchu Woman's Formal Court Robe

The court dress of both men and women was strictly regulated. Women's ch'ao-fu robes had to be worn with formal collars (piling), hats, belts, and necklaces to be considered complete.The pastel ground color of this robe and the inclusion of the red double happiness character in its design indicate that the garmentbelonged to an imperial consort and was worn as wedding attire.