Qing dynasty

Structure and History Horse Face Skirt(马面裙), in the “General History of Chinese Clothing”, the horse face skirt is described as follows: “there are folds on both sides, the skirt door and back are decorated with patterns, and there are skirt waist and lace upon it.” Horse face skirt was very popular in the Ming Dynasty, from empress to ordinary people. However, according to different classes and occasions, the material, pattern, and color of horse face skirts are also different. The horse face skirt in the Ming Dynasty was simple in color and simple in pattern. In the Qing Dynasty, the horse face skirt gradually changed to elegance. The colors and patterns become more and more colorful, especially the outer skirt door. People have added many auspicious patterns on the outer skirt door, such as auspicious eight treasures, flowers, birds, insects, and butterflies. Occasion and Collocation In modern times, horse face skirts can be worn on any occasion, but need to pay attention to the requirements of color, material, and pattern of horse face skirts on different occasions. For example, you can wear a light plain horse face skirt in your daily life, which is convenient for daily action. At the…

From the beginning of the hanfu revival to today, regardless of the general acceptance of hanfu, there are always some hanfu lovers who wear hanfu to some events and occasionally encounter the question asked by others: Are you going to attend a Peking Opera performance or the recording of the show? Of course, such embarrassing situations may be rarer nowadays, but most people still confuse traditional Chinese opera costumes with the hanfu. The costumes used in Beijing opera are also categorized with traditional Chinese opera costumes, which are different from the Chinese hanfu costume. It is because some of the opera costumes are inspired by hanfu and naturally there are similarities in some parts, but what are the specific differences between the two? Let's follow the Hanfu Shidai (汉服世代) and find out.   Chinese Opera costume vs Hanfu Hanfu - the full name of the Han traditional costume system - is divided into two historical stages: ancient and modern. The ancient hanfu originated from the creation of the Yellow Emperor's garments and vanished at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty under the policy of "Tifa Yifu", which was a self-contained cultural system. The modern hanfu is a traditional national dress…

The Han Chinese attire stands out as a vibrant mosaic of styles, contrasting with the more regimented Manchu dress code. Han Chinese Women of the Qing era embraced a rich variety in their daily clothing, crafting a panorama of styles that celebrated individuality and heritage despite their socio-political background. Everyday Han attire was an elegant blend of comfort and grace. This ensemble typically included a short jacket, skirt, and either a vest or cloak. The small coat featured a sizable right lapel, distinguishing it from the longer robes favored by the Manchu elite. Complementing this were sleeveless vests and long open-sleeved cloaks, encapsulating the everyday charm of Han Chinese femininity. Literary Echoes of Qing Dynasty Fashion The Qing Dynasty's literary works provide a vivid window into the world of Han Chinese fashion. Rich descriptions paint a picture of women adorned in ornate hairstyles and layered outfits of brilliant hues and luxurious fabrics. Gold accessories often featured prominently, highlighting the intricate detailing that defined Han women's daily fashion and underscoring attire's role in expressing identity and social status. Ceremonial Attire of the Qing Dynasty Ceremonial attire during the Qing Dynasty was a grand spectacle, marrying sophistication with tradition. This ensemble, replete with iconic…

The elegance of the Han and Jin dynasties, the grace of the Tang dynasty, the refinement of the Song dynasty, and the magnificence of the Ming and Qing dynasties – throughout China’s five thousand years of history, each era has its unique charm in beauty and fashion. This article will take you on a journey through various dynasties, allowing you to appreciate the distinctive allure of ancient Chinese women’s hairstyles. The Han Dynasty and Wei-Jin Period During the Han Dynasty, the elegant and dignified hair bun showcased the noble and graceful temperament of women. Hairstyles of this period emphasized smooth and harmonious lines, with meticulous attention to detail, presenting a refined and classical charm. In the Wei-Jin Period, women’s hairstyles embraced a sense of simplicity and freshness. The hair buns became more straightforward, emphasizing natural charm, often adorned with headbands or hairpins to highlight a playful and lovely aspect. During this time, hairstyles focused on comfort and naturalness, reflecting the openness and diversity of Wei-Jin culture. The Southern and Northern Dynasties and Sui Dynasty During the period of the Southern and Northern Dynasties, China experienced political divisions and turmoil, leading to the blending of diverse regional cultures, which also influenced…

This article focuses on the changes in the popularity of traditional Chinese men's clothing from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the early Republic of China. The early Ming dynasty clothing continued the style of the Yuan dynasty, men's clothing in addition to Zhishen (直身), but also have Changshan (长衫) style. At this time the Daopao (道袍) has not yet formed, because the Changshan pleated structure on both sides, inferred that may be the Daopao predecessor. The prototype of the Yisan (曳撒) came from the Yuan Dynasty, and the sleeve shape and silhouette gradually changed in the Ming Dynasty, and developed an outer hem structure, which was one of the common styles of Bianfu (便服)/army clothing or Jifu (吉服) in the Ming Dynasty. The more significant change in the mid-Ming men's clothing is the gradual widening of the sleeve type, the structure of the outer hem is also different from the initial period. Late Ming dynasty men's clothing popular with the Daopao, the initial sleeve type for the bias to straight sleeves, with the structure of the Shoumei (收袂). At the end of the Ming Dynasty, the robe has developed into wide sleeves, and the structure of the inner and…

Our previous articles have covered the costume components of the Song emperors, but today we focus on the composition and details of the Song empress costumes, using the Empress Cao's costume from the Qing Ping Yue TV series as a reference for comparison with museum collections. From the makeup poster of Empress Cao's character, Jiang Shuying, the cast still referenced the costumes in the "Axis of the Seated Portrait of empress Song Renzong (宋仁宗皇后坐像轴)" which is now in the National Palace Museum in Taipei, and perhaps due to the poor detail definition of the phoenix crown in the portrait, the phoenix crown was restored with reference to Liu E's phoenix crown in the similar era of Empress Zhenzong (真宗皇后). It's also worth noting that this empress costumes are of a higher class and therefore more elaborate, so let's start with a brief dissection of what Empress Cao is wearing. "Axis of the Seated Portrait of empress Song Renzong"   Dragon & Phoenix Flower Hairpin Crown In today's context, we are accustomed to referring to the Empress's ceremonial crown as a "phoenix crown" and sometimes the bride's jewelry as a "phoenix crown", but for a long time in ancient China, jewelry…

In recent years, with the rise of the China-Chic trend, many gold stores have also begun to favor products of traditional culture and launched the so-called ancient gold craft and inheritance series of Chinese gold jewelry. The ancient Chinese used goldware as body decoration, dating back to the Xia Dynasty 4,000 years ago. The gold eardrops unearthed in Gansu is the best proof. The simple circle obviously cannot reflect the skill level of the ancients, so today let’s take a look at the gold earrings and gold bracelets in the museum’s collection of cultural relics. Let’s experience the luxury aesthetics of ancient Chinese gold jewelry. Gold earrings, 2100-1600 B.C., collection of Gansu Provincial Institute of Archaeology   Eardrop Eardrops (Er Zhui, 耳坠) is a kind of traditional Chinese earrings, with an additional part of the drop than earrings. Gold earrings, Warring States period, collection of Ordos Museum This pair of gold eardrops in the Warring States Period adopts a cone and spring design, and the color matching of gold and turquoise is even more ingenious. Gem-set gold earrings, Northern Wei Dynasty, collection of Datong Museum This pair of gold eardrops from the Northern Wei Dynasty is composed of amber, silver…

Duration: June 21, 2024 - September 22, 2025Location: Jiade Art Center The exhibition titled "National Colors and Palace Splendor — Colors of Qing Dynasty Court Textiles" intricately weaves together the concepts of "采" (cǎi) and "彩" (cǎi), both of which historically denote multicolored silks and vibrant spirits. Through the tapestries, embroideries, and colors of Qing dynasty court garments, the exhibition aims to illuminate not only the visual grandeur but also the profound cultural and symbolic significance embedded in each fabric. Patterns and Imperial Authority: A Cloak with Motifs In Qing dynasty rule, while maintaining the Manchu ethnic identity through surnames, hairstyles, and clothing, the imperial court adopted Han Chinese motifs, symbols, and patterns. One remarkable piece on display is the Changfu with dragon motifs in various poses: frontal sitting dragons, walking dragons on all fours, and intertwined dragons forming floral patterns. These designs, meticulously carved like relief sculptures, exude a vibrant vitality akin to the famous Nine-Dragon Screen at the Palace Museum and Beihai Park in Beijing. The Exhibition Sections The exhibition unfolds through five thematic units: Celestial Elements, Majestic Illumination, Magnificent Sophistication, Seasonal Splendors, and Clouds of Elegance. Of particular interest is the "Seasonal Splendors" unit, showcasing garments such…

This article focuses on the changes in the popularity of traditional Chinese women's clothing from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the early Republic of China. Please read in conjunction with "Ming-style Hanfu collar types diagram" The early Ming dress continues the style of the Yuan dynasty Duanyi (短衣, short clothes), inherited the style of dressing with Duijin (对襟, symmetrical lapels) worn as Jiaojin (交襟, cross lapels) in Song and Yuan Dynasty At this time, also called Dui Jiao Chuan (对交穿). There is also a Jiaoling Youren (交领右衽, wrapping the right side before the left) style. In the mid-Ming period, the sleeve type and skirt door gradually widened, and there was a Tao sleeve (裪袖, sleeve edge protruding from the cuff) structure. According to cultural relics, the stand collar Duijin Shan appeared in the palace system during this period, and was fixed with metal sub-buttons. The style of Dui Jiao Chuan (对交穿) was also excavated in this period, and the more special one is the Mamian skirt with narrow sleeves and thin pleats. Regarding the style of the Mamian skirt, according to the research of excavated cultural relics, the structure of [trapezoidal pleat] and [wide sleeve door] was popular in the…

Tang suit (唐装, Tang Zhuang), also known as Chinese jacket. A newer form of Qing Dynasty Magua (马褂), is a modern costume with traditional elements, based on the prototype of a Chinese traditional lapel jacket, with the addition of stand collar and western-style three-dimensional cutting.   Origin of the name of Tang suit Perhaps you may be puzzled, since Tang suit is a new form of Magua in the Qing Dynasty, why is there Tang in the name? Is it directly related to the Tang Dynasty costume? The reason is that the Tang Dynasty was a powerful dynasty in Chinese history and had a great influence on overseas countries, and in the Song Dynasty, "Tang" had become the pronoun of the overseas countries in the southeast for China. Throughout the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, things related to China were called "Tang", and not only "Tang" was used as a proxy for the land of "China", but also the Chinese were called "Tang", overseas Chinese often call themselves "Tang people", they live in places called "Tangren Jie (唐人街, Chinatown)", so this Qing-style costume is also called "Tang suit". In modern times, the Tang suit has more diverse names, such as…

Two weeks ago, at a significant meeting on the "Archaeology of China" project, held in Huainan, Anhui Province, a major discovery was announced. Archaeologists revealed that a bronze Ding unearthed from the "Wu Wangdun" site, the largest and most intricate high-status Chu tomb excavated to date, set a new record for the largest Chu cultural Ding found in China. Measuring 88.3 cm in diameter and about 1.2 m in height, this vessel surpasses the renowned Zhuke Dading (or "Chu Dading"), a prized artifact of the Anhui Museum. Although it doesn't rival the monumental Houmuwu Ding, its discovery has still sparked great excitement. As China national treasure, each bronze vessel is not only a marvel to craft but also a supreme symbol of power. Historically, the Ding size indicated one's status and authority. Records show that ancient nobles cooked various meats separately in different vessel, directly serving from them. Later, the Zhou Li stipulated a hierarchy of Dings: nine for the emperor, seven for lords, five for ministers, and three for officials. Thus, their size and weight took on special meaning, remaining a point of fascination even today. We know the largest and heaviest Ding in China is the Houmuwu Ding,…

This article focuses on the changes in the popularity of traditional Chinese women's clothing from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the early Republic of China. Please read in conjunction with "Ming-style Hanfu collar types diagram" The early Ming dress continues the style of the Yuan dynasty Duanyi (短衣, short clothes), inherited the style of dressing with Duijin (对襟, symmetrical lapels) worn as Jiaojin (交襟, cross lapels) in Song and Yuan Dynasty At this time, also called Dui Jiao Chuan (对交穿). There is also a Jiaoling Youren (交领右衽, wrapping the right side before the left) style. In the mid-Ming period, the sleeve type and skirt door gradually widened, and there was a Tao sleeve (裪袖, sleeve edge protruding from the cuff) structure. According to cultural relics, the stand collar Duijin Shan appeared in the palace system during this period, and was fixed with metal sub-buttons. The style of Dui Jiao Chuan (对交穿) was also excavated in this period, and the more special one is the Mamian skirt with narrow sleeves and thin pleats. Regarding the style of the Mamian skirt, according to the research of excavated cultural relics, the structure of [trapezoidal pleat] and [wide sleeve door] was popular in the…

The Ming Dynasty was the last dynasty ruled by the Han nationality in China’s feudal history, and the evolution of its costumes showed irregular volatility. The costume of Ming Dynasty can be divided into four periods： 1) Early Ming Dynasty (1368-1435)2) Mid Ming Dynasty (1436-1505)3) Late Ming Dynasty (1506-1620)4) The end of the Ming Dynasty (1620-1644) In the early Ming Dynasty, the evolution of Ming Dynasty clothing was a process from top to bottom, from formal dress to casual dress, from the retention of the Yuan Dynasty to removing the traces of the Yuan Dynasty. Part 1.1: Early Ming Dynasty – Women’s Clothing Style The clothing style of this period is still in the formative period, and there is still the dress style of Han women in the late Yuan Dynasty – long sleeve short shirt with half sleeve short shirt and skirt on the lower body. At this time, women did not appear in long clothes over the knee. Therefore, it can be concluded that women’s clothing in the early Ming Dynasty was mainly short shirts with a solid color skirt. The style of women’s headdress in this period still has the style of Han women in the late…

Chinese empresses from various dynasties, had distinct and elaborate clothing styles that reflected their status and the fashion trends of their respective eras. From the elegant robes of the Han Dynasty to the elaborate gowns of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the attire of Chinese empresses reflects not only their status but also the cultural influences of their time. In this article, we will explore the unique clothing styles of empresses from different dynasties, showcasing the diversity of fashion. Han Dynasty: During the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), empresses adorned themselves in flowing robes with wide sleeves and loose-fitting garments. The attire featured intricate embroidery and vibrant patterns, symbolizing prosperity and grace. Tang Dynasty: In the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), empresses embraced a structured and layered style. They wore multiple robes in various colors and patterns, accentuated by elaborate headdresses, jewelry, and decorative accessories. This period witnessed opulence and sophistication in imperial fashion. Song Dynasty: The Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) marked a shift towards a more refined and modest aesthetic for empresses. They favored long, loose robes with narrow sleeves and high collars. Delicate embroidery and simple designs exemplified the elegance and subtlety of their attire. Ming Dynasty:…

The Hanfu Movement has lasted for more than 10 years. Today hanfu is becoming popular, we could see more and more young people wearing hanfu clothes on the streets of China. Looking at the last decade, many people have mixed opinions about it. So let's take a look at the latest views on the Hanfu Movement in 2021. What is the Hanfu Movement? First of all, we should know that hanfu is the traditional costume of Chinese Han nationality. Since the Qing dynasty, it has been abolished for more than 300 years. With the development of China in the 21st century, the living conditions of the people have been continuously improved. The Han people realize that their traditional clothes should not be forgotten any more and began to revive the traditional Han clothing, this is the origin of the Hanfu movement. It's also part of the revival of traditional Chinese culture. We interviewed people from different regions and collected many opinions through online and offline, sort out these views listed as pros & cons, and neutral. And we also hope to hear your particular opinion on this topic. One should understand that when we discussing the national costume or clothing…

Hanfu, as the traditional clothing of China, appeared as early as 5000 years ago in the Huaxia period. And until the Han Dynasty, uniform dress standards were established, and Han Fu clothing officially became the basic style clothing for the ancient Chinese people. The Han Dynasty clothing developed rapidly in this period and had a great influence on the history of Chinese dress. Each China's dynasty has its own memorable culture. Han dynasty, for the first time, costume design and color use have become unified, making traditional Chinese clothing an extremely important part of Chinese culture and a great work of art. Actually, throughout China's history, clothing style experienced a notable changing from ancient times to the modern era. Spanning over four centuries, the Han period is considered a golden age in Chinese history. The Han dynasty is a long history, but the Han dynasty clothing retained its simple and elegant style. So, let's through this short article to explore that fascinating history.   A Brief History of Han Dynasty Clothing The Han dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin dynasty (221–206 BC) and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 AD). To this day,…

In recent years, with the rise of the China-Chic trend, many gold stores have also begun to favor products of traditional culture and launched the so-called ancient gold craft and inheritance series of Chinese gold jewelry. The ancient Chinese used goldware as body decoration, dating back to the Xia Dynasty 4,000 years ago. The gold eardrops unearthed in Gansu is the best proof. The simple circle obviously cannot reflect the skill level of the ancients, so today let’s take a look at the gold earrings and gold bracelets in the museum’s collection of cultural relics. Let’s experience the luxury aesthetics of ancient Chinese gold jewelry. Gold earrings, 2100-1600 B.C., collection of Gansu Provincial Institute of Archaeology   Eardrop Eardrops (Er Zhui, 耳坠) is a kind of traditional Chinese earrings, with an additional part of the drop than earrings. Gold earrings, Warring States period, collection of Ordos Museum This pair of gold eardrops in the Warring States Period adopts a cone and spring design, and the color matching of gold and turquoise is even more ingenious. Gem-set gold earrings, Northern Wei Dynasty, collection of Datong Museum This pair of gold eardrops from the Northern Wei Dynasty is composed of amber, silver…

Vocab of Wrapped Flower Wrapped flower - 缠花 (chán huā) - a name used to called artificially made flower using the techniques of wrapping colored silk thread around cut-out pieces and combining each parts together to make flowers, animals, insects, etc. Spring Flower - 春仔花 (chūn zǐ huā) or 春花 (chūn huā). Used in this situation would mean various types of flower combined into a small batch each flower symbolize for different meanings in China. In this case, the flower would be a wrapped flower rather than a real flower.   History of Wrapped Flower Through ancient China, people held a profound appreciation for nature, which manifested in their beliefs of deities who governed natural forces to their interest in making poetry, music, and artworks that represented the beauty they saw. One remarkable custom in ancient China were the flower hair-pinning practice known as "簪花的习俗 (zān huā de xí sú)," where both men and women adorned their hair or hat with flowers, either fresh or artificially made. Talking about flowers, there are many artificial flower craftsmen that have passed down for centuries, including "ronghua" and "wrapped flower." The art of wrapped flowers originated during the Ming Dynasty and arrived in the…

As one of the representatives of traditional Chinese clothing, the cheongsam carries rich historical and cultural connotations. It originated in China and, after a long period of development and evolution, not only showcases the elegance and nobility of Chinese women, but also has a profound impact worldwide. The cheongsam is the traditional attire of Han women, evolved from the flag attire. Because the material of the flag attire is mostly silk, it is called cheongsam. Initially, it was characterized by the "wrapped collar" of the Manchu people, and later absorbed the essence of the traditional clothing of the Han people in the process of development. In the late Qing and early Republic of China periods, with the economic and cultural development in the Han region and the exchange of Chinese and Western cultures, the cheongsam became one of the traditional clothing of Chinese women and combined with the traditional clothing of the Han people represented by the Chinese cheongsam to become a brilliant and beautiful flower in the clothing and culture of the Chinese nation. It has the characteristics of Chinese national clothing and clothing and culture, and also has the characteristics of Western clothing and clothing and culture. The…

The inspiration for this set of photos came from a Qing Dynasty Qianlong porcelain now in the National Museum of China. It was made in Jingdezhen for Haiyan Hall in the Yuanmingyuan Park, and only one survives. The whole artwork contains the meaning of "the sea is calm and the river is clear, and the country is peaceful", and is beautifully crafted and painted, symbolizing the peak of the Qianlong period porcelain! 清乾隆霁青金彩海晏河清尊 On top of that, this blogger combines traditional elements with cyberpunk style, combining ancient national treasures with futuristic science fiction, a cyan Qing costume, a beautiful Tian-tsui crown, and golden nail guards to show luxury! The focus is on some details of the face, the appearance of the two swallows decorated, the face of the painted lines are all exquisite and sharp, just a few strokes to highlight the taste of the future of technology! Such a creative realization, the effect is really great! And this is not the only wonderful work of this treasure blogger, today we will introduce you to @Lao Ba (老八捌) and her fantastic creations! Hanfu + Futuristic Elements Ideas The idea of combining traditional hanfu with technology and the future has been…

Often think it's too cold to wear Hanfu in winter? A kind of Chinese style Hanfu is suitable for winter, it is Changshan (长衫) Changshan is a good choice. In the early Ming Dynasty, it was still the Duijin jacket that was popular. At the end of the Ming Dynasty and the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, the Changshan with stand collar was more popular, warmer, and more stable. It can be worn for important festival activities or daily activities. How to wear and match the Changshan of the Hanfu suit? (1) Hanfu Changshan inside: Zhuyao (主腰) / Hanshan (汗衫) The Zhuyao is close-fitting underwear (such as brassiere). Besides the round neck, the Hanshan also has a standing neck. You can choose the right clothes to wear according to the seasonal changes. (2) Under the Changshan: horse-face skirt (马面裙) The pleated skirt is also a kind of horse-face skirt, popular from the late Ming Dynasty to the early Qing Dynasty. (3) The main body of Changshan: There are also two kinds of long shirts, inside match and outside match. The base coat for the inside, the fabric is thin, and the function is similar to the T-shirt, which is suitable…

Ancient China attaches great importance to silk production. Shang Dynasty, silk weaving, and utilization has been quite popular, and has a certain scale of production, mastering a higher degree of weaving technology. By the Qin and Han dynasties, silk weaving handicraft production flourished, and the industry has reached a more mature scale, the Tang and Song dynasties are more prosperous. As for the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, the ancient silk weaving technology reached the highest level, it is not difficult to imagine the prevailing situation. Today, let's learn about the whole process of Chinese silk production through the Qing dynasty Jiao Bingzhen's paintings: "Geng Zhi Tu Ce (耕织图册)". Hanfu and Chinese silk you may like: