{"product_id":"late-qing-dynasty-silk-satin-robe-with-couching-and-satin-stitch-embroidery","title":"Late Qing Dynasty Silk Satin Robe with Couching and Satin Stitch Embroidery","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eThis robe is crafted from a deep \u003cstrong\u003emidnight blue (crow-black) silk satin\u003c\/strong\u003e, providing a high-contrast backdrop for the delicate floral embroidery. The garment features a side-fastening front (\u003cem\u003epianjin\u003c\/em\u003e) secured with traditional hand-woven \"frog\" buttons.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Visual \u0026amp; Symbolic Elements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Floral Motifs:\u003c\/strong\u003e The body is decorated with scattered sprays of \u003cstrong\u003eChrysanthemums\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ePeonies\u003c\/strong\u003e. In Chinese symbology, the chrysanthemum represents longevity and autumn, while the peony represents wealth, honor, and feminine beauty.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCouching Technique:\u003c\/strong\u003e The wide sleeve bands are particularly notable, featuring \u003cstrong\u003egold-thread couching\u003c\/strong\u003e. This technique involves laying metallic threads onto the silk and securing them with tiny perpendicular stitches, creating a shimmering, textured border of butterflies and blossoms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecorative Borders:\u003c\/strong\u003e The robe is finished with multiple \"tiered\" borders, including a fine blue-and-white floral ribbon and a wider embroidered band that mirrors the floral theme of the main body.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContrasting Linings:\u003c\/strong\u003e The interior is lined with a sky-blue silk, a classic hidden detail of high-quality Qing-era tailoring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe robe shows signs of its age consistent with a textile over 100 years old.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStructural:\u003c\/strong\u003e There are small vertical tears in the silk satin, particularly near the side seams and underarm areas where the fabric experienced the most tension during wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSurface:\u003c\/strong\u003e The gold couching on the sleeve bands remains remarkably intact, though there is some light fraying at the very edges of the blue silk trim.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eRobes of this specific cut and color palette were often part of a woman's \"informal\" but festive attire—worn for family gatherings, birthdays, or seasonal festivals. The use of midnight blue was considered sophisticated and appropriate for married women of status.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Media Antiques \u0026 Jewelry","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45878698148074,"sku":"125103010","price":1890.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/9510\/4746\/files\/IMG_1032_3166975.jpg?v=1773037713","url":"https:\/\/www.mediajewelry.com\/products\/late-qing-dynasty-silk-satin-robe-with-couching-and-satin-stitch-embroidery","provider":"Media Antiques \u0026 Jewelry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}