Minneapolis Institute of Art

Daoist priest’s robe (jiangyi)

China

Date

Kangxi Period, 1662–1722

Medium

silk

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This ceremonial robe was worn by a Daoist priest during important rituals and is rich with cosmic and mythological symbolism. The central “cosmic diagram” on the back is encircled by seven gold-thread medallions and squares featuring immortals, alongside a qilin (mythical monster) and a bear. Symbols representing the Five Sacred Mountains, central to Daoist cosmology, are scattered around the cosmic diagram and the immortals.The black satin surface is covered in a dense network of tendrils rendered in metallic gold threads. Additional medallions depict other symbols. The front border displays medallions with various bird motifs, while the edges of the borders are framed by the meander (Greek key) pattern in yellow silk twist. The robe’s yellow satin lining is woven with a design of dragon medallions. China, Asia

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