Minneapolis Institute of Art

Daoist Robe

China

Date

Tao Kuang period, 1821–1850

Medium

silk

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This Daoist priest’s robe combines symbolic imagery from Daoist traditions to convey blessings, immortality, and cosmic harmony. A central pagoda medallion on the back is flanked by representations of the sun and moon, evoking celestial balance. The field is densely populated with auspicious motifs: including clouds, dragon medallions, bats bearing good-fortune emblems, white cranes, and double peaches, and other auspicious symbols, all set above the stylized heavenly sea. On the front, large medallions below the shoulders feature dragons, each poised above a pagoda nestled in clouds. Additional details include bats, cranes, and other symbols scattered throughout the field. The robe’s borders are embroidered in couched silk twist with dragons, carp, clouds, the Eight Precious Things (auspicious symbols representing wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual power), and sacred emblems—sections that may predate the body of the garment itself, suggesting a history of careful reuse and reverence. China, Asia

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