Minneapolis Institute of Art

Theatrical woman's robe

China

Date

19th century

Medium

satin, cotton

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

During the Qing Dynasty, men played both male and female roles in plays and operas. Stage decoration and scenery were kept to a minimum, so the audience’s attention needed to be captured by dramatic, exaggerated costumes and stage makeup to ensure the characters were recognizable. This robe would almost certainly have been over-the-top as everyday wear, but on stage its bright pink color and butterfly design were necessary for dramatic effect. China, Asia

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