Daoist ""Robe of Descent"" Embroidered with Gold-wrapped and Polychrome Silk Threads

Chinese Qing dynasty.

153.5cm(w) × 127.0cm(l)

The ""robes of descent"" (降衣, jiangyi) worn by Daoist priests when conducting certain rituals and ceremonies. The back of the robe would have been viewed most prominently by worshippers as the priest faced the altar to conduct rites; accordingly, this portion of the garment typically features the most lavish ornament. On the back of the robe, a central medallion embroidered in couched gold threads depicts the palace of the Jade Emperor (玉皇, 玉帝), the ruler of the Daoist heavens.