# 1940s/50s Chinese Embroidered Silk Longline Jacket, Modern US S (4/6)

- Link: https://shopquirkla.com/product/1940s-50s-hand-embroidered-silk-chinese-longline-cardigan-jacket/
- Published: 2024-01-10T03:13:13-08:00
- Author: Rich Baldonado

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.

### Chinese embroidery in a mid-century wardrobe

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.

### Fit & sizing

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.

### Styling

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](https://shopquirkla.com/contact-us/).
We are happy to help you find the right fit.

### Condition

Very good vintage condition. 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.
