Qipao
late 1930s (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Woman's ankle length dress (known as a qipao in Mandarin or a cheongsam in Cantonese) of mid blue plain weave silk damask with self patterned bats, double coins and 'shou' (longevity) characters. The dress fastens at the right side with two loop and knot buttons.These huaniu (buttons) at the neck and collarbone are fashioned in 'shou' character shape. There are press studs and a hidden zip in the side seam, and a few press studs at the cuffs. The garment has a small stand-up collar and long and tight sleeves. There are slits at both sides about 30cm long. The dress is lined throughout with cream fur.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Woven self-patterned silk damask |
| Brief description | Women's silk damask dress (qipao), China, late 1930s |
| Physical description | Woman's ankle length dress (known as a qipao in Mandarin or a cheongsam in Cantonese) of mid blue plain weave silk damask with self patterned bats, double coins and 'shou' (longevity) characters. The dress fastens at the right side with two loop and knot buttons.These huaniu (buttons) at the neck and collarbone are fashioned in 'shou' character shape. There are press studs and a hidden zip in the side seam, and a few press studs at the cuffs. The garment has a small stand-up collar and long and tight sleeves. There are slits at both sides about 30cm long. The dress is lined throughout with cream fur. |
| Credit line | Given by Elizabeth Whittome |
| Object history | This dress was made 'just before the war [Second World War]'. An unnamed American had it made in China or Hong Kong for Ms Eugenia Cheong (b. 1920 in Canton). Ms Cheong gave it to Elizabeth Whittome, the donor of the piece to the V&A. |
| Historical context | This Chinese dress is made from classic Chinese woven silk and is in the style known as a cheongsam or qipao. The style was popularized in the mid- to late-1920s when women in China began to play a greater role in public life. One of the main features of this type of dress is the intricate knot and loop fastenings. In its earlier form, the modern qipao was relatively loose and comfortable, a symbol of simplicity and frugality. By the 1940s, under the influence of Western tailoring, the dress had become tailored to be much more form-fitting (and fashionable). |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | FE.44-1997 |
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| Record created | November 29, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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