Imperial Chinese Robes: From the Forbidden City

In Qing Dynasty China (1644-1911) there were clear rules on what to wear on different occasions. Official dresses were worn when the emperor performed sacrifices and other important rituals. Auspicious dresses were for New Year, birthdays, and weddings; military dresses for troop inspection; traveling dresses for hunting and royal visits to provinces; and ordinary dresses for events of a non-celebrative nature, such as mourning. When not performing public duties, however, the imperial family could freely choose which garments to wear. This book showcases both the official robes and accessories as well as the more casual but still beautiful clothes created for the fashion-conscious court ladies.