Ming Dynasty Clothing

Ming Dynasty Fashion 1368-1644 A.D

Each dynasty in China brought essential characteristics to the culture. Clothing, in particular is a huge influence on the culture. Ming Dynasty clothing is usually described by historians as magnificent and graceful at the same time. Clothing in Ancient China was a symbol of status. The rich and the poor dressed quite differently.

The best-preserved Ming clothing was discovered in two black cases in the Confucius Family Mansion in Qufu, Shandong province. There were about 100 garments. From the case, maybe the world's only complete set of Ming court clothing is found. The costume consists of a five-beamed crown, red silk court robe, red silk skirt, white silk inner garment and a pair of bright red shoes with green lining and cloud patterns. According to the clothing scholar, it could take two years for one person to finish a robe for nobles, such as a kind of mustard-colored silk robe with an embroidered boa.

Ming Dynasty Fashion

By: Lily Meng

Men Fashion

• Broad shoulders, cyan colored circular collar, and with black brim.

• Padded jackets were worn during the winter

• Wore tunnics (Short sleeved and reached the knees)

Rules of Clothing

• Majority of men wore a drooping strap with black ribbonand soft chuddar

• Collars were circular instead of symmetrical

• Jackets were made longer, but yet still short enough to expose the skirt.

• The garment in the front was decorated with adorments such as gold, jade, and pearl

Fun Fact

• Only certain people, such as high ranked officials or the members of the emperor court were allowed to wear silk

• Metal buttons were used.

The Ming Dynasty was truly influential when it came to traditional fashion in ancient times.

• The background color of the robe indicated rank and lineage, with bright yellow limited to use by the emperor himself. Official court robes for women were similar but decorated with phoenixes (mythical birds depicted as similar to pheasants or peacocks)

• The dragon robe was adopted for standard court wear for emperors, members of the imperial clan, and high officials.

• Associated with the dragon robe and the codification of court attire was the use of so-called "Mandarin squares," embroidered squares of cloth that were worn as badges of office for civil and military officials.

Women Fashion

Why is Ming Dynasty clothing important?

• Wore three collars with narrow sleeves (Which made their upper clothing)

• The Ming dynasty also brought many changes to its clothing, as many dynasties do.

• Pleaded skits were very popular

• Favored light colored clothing

• Embroided capes called "Rosy Cloud Cape" were worn over the shoulders

• During the Ming Dynasty, Confucian codes and ideals were popularized and it had a significant effect on clothing

• China’s arts, culture and sciences also experienced burgeoning growth during the Ming rule, therefore the progress of appearences increased.

Cited

Ancient China. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2016, from http://www.ducksters.com/history/china/clothing.php

China: History of Dress. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2016, from http://fashion-history.lovetoknow.com/clothing-around-world/china-history-dress

Dazzling Chinese Clothing in Ming Dynasty. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2016, from http://www.cits.net/china-guide/china-traditions/ming-dynasty-clothing.html

Fashion Timeline of Chinese Women Clothing中国女性服装的演变. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2016, from http://cn.hujiang.com/new/p452213/?op

The Chinese Ming Dynasty Clothing, Dress & Fashion. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2016, from http://totallyhistory.com/ming-dynasty-clothing/

Traditions - Clothing and Ornaments. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2016, from http://traditions.cultural-china.com/en/15T1750T3434.html