Embroidered Surcoat

Informal Han Chinese woman’s surcoat. Calf length garment with center front opening, wide sleeves with sleeve bands. It is fastened with three loops and toggle buttons. Made of light lavender silk satin with blue floral embroidery interspersed with shou characters. The edgings are embroidered in different floral motif as are the sleevbands. Varied blue palette contributes to a very delicate shading. The stitchwork done in satin stitch, French knot and couched metallic thread.