Manchu Woman's Semiformal Court Vest

Empress' long sleeveless coat of yellow satin brocaded in shades of blue, green, aubergine, red, pink, and gold. On each side of front opening two rampant dragons, one above the other, the upper one clutching the heavenly jewel; in back, one sitting and two rampant dragons; all five-clawed. In the field loose cloud forms. Border of curling, over-lapping waves. Front, bottom, and sides (open except for a short joinunder arms) trimed with band of black velvet studded with brass studs and bordered with narrow strips of green and gold and red and gold brocade. At bottom a network of green fringe cording in long gold tassels hangs over a wide band of red satin. Lined with rose satin, lightly interlined with cotton batten.