Theatrical robe with flowers and butterflies
Not on view
Known as zhezi in Chinese opera, this robe follows the earlier Ming (1368–1644) style for leisure clothing. It has a Y-shaped collar and wide sleeves, and opens on the right side. A robe of this type with a white background was worn by performers playing the role of a young male, usually a playboy or a villain. One of the album pages displayed in this gallery shows an actor holding a jade horse in his right hand and wearing a similar robe. The accompanying inscription identifies him as the notorious “Colorful Butterfly” (Huahudie) from the play The Three Heroes and Five Gallants.
On view during Rotation 1 of exhibition from June 25, 2016 through January 13, 2017.
