Yellow Pleated Skirt

In the 19th century, the “fish-scale” style of skirt became popular with Han women. It got its name from the intricately sewn together pleats that resemble scales. This style is typically worn as a part of a wedding outfit, comprised of a pair of wide panels worn facing front and back with additional narrow panels connecting them.

The skirt wraps around the body, secured by a wide cotton waistband, with attached woven ties. The cotton prevents the skirt from slipping down, while the skirt is made of yellow silk. The front and back panels are identical and edged with embroidered purple and black ribbon. Small white rectangles sit in the center of the large pleats decorated with embroidered pictorial scenes.