Minneapolis Institute of Art

Daoist priest's robe (daopao)

China

Date

1821–50

Medium

silk

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This vibrant Daoist robe is a rare example made in kesi, a luxurious silk tapestry weave. Set against a bold red ground, five large medallions feature white cranes paired with sacred fungus, symbols of immortality. The design includes phoenixes, sun and moon emblems, Daoist symbols, and five-clawed gold dragons, all rendered in rich hues of blue, green, pink, and violet. Sleeve bands display sacred trigrams, while the lower borders teem with waves, blossoms, bats, swastikas (symbols of infinity), and other motifs. A yellow collar band bears cranes, clouds, and a swastika fret pattern. Exceedingly rare, kesi-woven Daoist garments such as this one exemplify both superb craftsmanship and deep ritual meaning. China, Asia

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