Woman's Vest Possibly 1644 - 1911

This vibrant woman’s vest was made by a Manchu artist, using silk and meticulously applied embroidery. The vest's red ground is richly decorated with blue and white patterns, typical of Chinese porcelain, arranged along the edges. Notice the circular medallions on the vest, depicting figures and symbols rendered with incredible detail. The silk provides a smooth surface for the embroidery, with its tight weave allowing for fine stitching. The embroidery itself involved highly skilled labor. Each stitch was carefully placed to create texture, depth, and a sense of movement. The choice of motifs—flowers, figures, and auspicious symbols—adds layers of cultural meaning, reflecting ideas of prosperity and good fortune. This piece represents the convergence of artistic skill, cultural symbolism, and the labor-intensive process of textile production, challenging any divide between craft and fine art.