Robe of State

19th century
Not on view
The robe of state, or chaofu, is the most formal of the imperial Qing robes, and was worn by the emperor and by his high officials during important annual rites. The slim-fitting sleeves and horse-hoof-shaped cuffs, which are vestiges of jackets for horseback hunting in cold weather, illustrate a Manchu adaptation of the traditional Han Chinese court dress, as does the shorter length of the garment. Such adaptations were formalized in 1759 when the style and decoration of court robes were standardized under regulations which also designated colors and designs for different types of robes. The dark blue color and four-clawed dragons on this robe indicate it would have been worn by an individual ranking somewhere between a third degree prince and a fourth degree official.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Robe of State
  • Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
  • Date: 19th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Silk and metallic thread embroidery on silk satin
  • Dimensions: 52 x 52 in. (132.08 x 132.08 cm)
  • Classification: Costumes-Embroidered
  • Credit Line: Gift of Estate of Belle Dellenbaugh, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.82.2
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.