Not currently on display at the V&A

Court Robe

3rd quarter 19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Minister's court robe made of crimson velvet, silk and gold yet-pya braid. Ankle length. Wrap around robe with loose bat-wing sleeves lined in yellow. Front opening with two pairs of decorative a-no (pendant ties) at the sides and at the front. Decorated around the neck, down the front, around the hem and the edges of sleeves with deep borders of gold braid of repeating floral and foliate patterns.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Velvet, silk and gold brocaded yet-pya braid, lined
Brief description
Minister's court robe of velvet and gold brocade, Mandalay, 3rd quarter of 19th century
Physical description
Minister's court robe made of crimson velvet, silk and gold yet-pya braid. Ankle length. Wrap around robe with loose bat-wing sleeves lined in yellow. Front opening with two pairs of decorative a-no (pendant ties) at the sides and at the front. Decorated around the neck, down the front, around the hem and the edges of sleeves with deep borders of gold braid of repeating floral and foliate patterns.
Dimensions
  • Across shoulders width: 51cm
  • Shoulder to hem length: 115cm
  • Sleeves length: 52cm
Style
Production typeUnique
Credit line
Given by H. D. Colt, Esq.
Object history
This civil court costume was specially created for a minister of King Thibaw.
It is said to have been removed from the palace of King Thibaw at Mandalay during the Third Burmese War (1885).
Production
The donor claimed that the garment had been removed from the palace at the time of King Thibaw's (r. 1878-1885) departure from Mandalay. Konbaung Dynasty (1752-1885).

Attribution note: Style, decoration and technique refer to 19th century Konbaung Dynasty.
Bibliographic reference
For further information see: Fraser-Lu, Sylvia. Burmese Crafts - Past and Present Oxford University Press 1994. pp.263-264, ill. 250 Court Costume Parabaik (manuscript) IM 320-1924. pp.1&2 Hali Annual 1994 Franklin and Swallow. Identifying with the Gods p. 59; ill For photographs of civil and military court dress as worn by a minister and prince, see : C.A. Gordon, "Our trip to Burmah" London, c. 1890, pp. 232-3.
Collection
Accession number
IS.255-1960

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Record createdOctober 4, 1999
Record URL
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