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A 1940s/50s Chinese embroidered silk jacket with an ivory ground, cobalt cuffs, black floral borders and colorful medallions. A fluid longline layer for modern US Small, approximately 4/6, with slight discoloration to the pale fabric.
$328.00
1 in stock
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Cobalt blue gives this ivory silk jacket its edge. The cuffs, piping and knotted front fastenings pick up the blue in the embroidery, while black floral borders trace the neckline, opening and hem. Red, orange and blue flowers sit among circular medallions and butterfly motifs, with just as much to enjoy on the back as the front.
The long, straight cut gives the embroidery room to breathe. Wide, shortened sleeves fall away from the arms, and the standing collar provides a neat frame at the neck. A soft sheen in the ground fabric contrasts with the denser stitched decoration. The effect comes from the arrangement of color and texture, rather than a fitted waist or a complicated silhouette.
Estimated to date from the 1940s/50s, the jacket has close stylistic parallels with Chinese embroidered export robes of the 1930–1950 period: pale silk grounds, contrasting blue cuffs and borders, and knotted frog fastenings. Those decorative edges do more than finish the garment. They frame the embroidery and give a loose, straight shape its definition, without relying on a fitted waist.
Here, the black floral bands outline the opening and hem, while cobalt cuffs give the wide sleeves a strong finish. The repeated medallions spread the decoration across the body rather than concentrating it at the neckline. Worn open, the blue piping makes a long vertical line; fastened, the jacket reads as a more continuous embroidered surface. Both ways of wearing it make use of the original cut.
Recommended modern fit: US Small, approximately 4/6. The model pictured wears a modern US 4/6. The jacket has an easy straight shape and is shown over a fitted blue layer. Measurements are available as needed to confirm the fit, including room for your preferred layers.
Vintage, pre-owned and offered as pictured, in as-is condition. There is slight discoloration to the pale fabric, visible in the photographs. This listing is for the jacket only; the blue layer and accessories are styling pieces.
Keep the long blue line of the photographed outfit, or try it over an ivory tank and dark straight-leg denim. For evening, a simple black slip dress gives the embroidery a clear backdrop. Small earrings and a compact bag leave the collar and cuffs in view; a bright red shoe can pick up the flowers without competing with them.
Have questions about sizing, layering or condition? Reach out or email us before ordering. We are happy to help you find the right fit.
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1990s
Modern / Present dayQuirk
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Modern / Present dayQuirk
Modern / Present dayQuirk
