Festival Jacket
ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-principal attire (upper body)
Culture
Miao
Datemid to late 20th Century
Made AtGuizhou Province, China, Asia
MediumCotton, silk, feathers and Job’s tears
Dimensions64 × 50 in. (162.6 × 127 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Long Shung and Anne Shih
Object number2015.9.20
DescriptionIt is highly likely that this jacket is part of a festival ensemble known as the Hundred Bird Costume. This garment became significant when an envoy to the Tang Emperor Taizong’s court paid him tribute in a similar garment.In Miao culture, the Hundred Bird Costume was originally worn by village leaders during the Guzang festival which takes place every 12 years in Guizhou Province.
Currently, the ensemble is part of the culture’s regular festival regalia. This example features a coiled dragon at the center of the back of the jacket as well as various birds. Both animals are quite significant to the Miao and are often used motifs.
On View
On viewCollections
