Daoist Robe
19th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This robe, which would have been worn by a Daoist priest, is known as a jiangyi, or a Robe of Descent. Such robes were probably worn by a Grand Master of the highest rank of priests during a Daoist ceremony. The symbols on the robe represent the cosmology of the universe, and when such a gown is donned by the priest, the cosmos symbolically 'descends' onto the priest's body. The name of the robe may also refer to the 'descent of the gods' on to the medium of the Daoist priest; or it might be symbolic of the part of the ceremony where the priest moves away from the altar area and 'descends' to be with the lay people.
The Manchu rulers of the Qing Dynasty adopted the religious traditions of the Han people whom they ruled, which they also inherited from the ruling predecessors. This robe came from a Daoist temple under imperial patronage, and was probably made in imperial workshops. It therefore also bears imperial insignias such as the five clawed dragon, the medallions containing a three-legged pheasant (symbolising the sun) and the lunar rabbit pounding a mortar (symbolising the moon).
The Manchu rulers of the Qing Dynasty adopted the religious traditions of the Han people whom they ruled, which they also inherited from the ruling predecessors. This robe came from a Daoist temple under imperial patronage, and was probably made in imperial workshops. It therefore also bears imperial insignias such as the five clawed dragon, the medallions containing a three-legged pheasant (symbolising the sun) and the lunar rabbit pounding a mortar (symbolising the moon).
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Satin weave silk with embroidery in coloured silks and gold thread |
| Brief description | Daoist ritual robe (jiangyi), satin weave silk with embroidery in coloured silks and gold thread, China, Qing dynasty, 19th century. |
| Physical description | Daoist ritual robe (jiangyi), from a Daoist temple under imperial patronage. Embroidery on dark blue satin. Medallions decorated with five-clawed dragons, with the royal symbols of the sun and the moon (three legged pheasant and lunar rabbit pounding a mortar), constellations, phoenix and lotus, Chinese characters representing the earth and man. In the centre, a medallion representing the sun rising on the horizon. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Style | |
| Gallery label |
|
| Credit line | Purchased with Art Fund support |
| Object history | Registered File number 1947/374. From the collection of Bernard Vuilleumier. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This robe, which would have been worn by a Daoist priest, is known as a jiangyi, or a Robe of Descent. Such robes were probably worn by a Grand Master of the highest rank of priests during a Daoist ceremony. The symbols on the robe represent the cosmology of the universe, and when such a gown is donned by the priest, the cosmos symbolically 'descends' onto the priest's body. The name of the robe may also refer to the 'descent of the gods' on to the medium of the Daoist priest; or it might be symbolic of the part of the ceremony where the priest moves away from the altar area and 'descends' to be with the lay people. The Manchu rulers of the Qing Dynasty adopted the religious traditions of the Han people whom they ruled, which they also inherited from the ruling predecessors. This robe came from a Daoist temple under imperial patronage, and was probably made in imperial workshops. It therefore also bears imperial insignias such as the five clawed dragon, the medallions containing a three-legged pheasant (symbolising the sun) and the lunar rabbit pounding a mortar (symbolising the moon). |
| Bibliographic reference | Wilson, Verity, "Cosmic Raiment: Traditions of Liturgical Clothing", Orientations Vol 26 No.5, May 1995, pp.42 - 49. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.195-1948 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | October 16, 2008 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
