Manchu Woman's Semiformal Court Vest (hsia-pei)

Imperial robe of yellow satin brocaded in green, rose, blue, brown, black, red, orange, and gold. Nine 5-clawed dragons, tose in profile grasping the Heavenly Jewel. In field, loose cloud forms and five bats, the latter appearing in orbit of each of the profile dragons. Border of narrow, slightly wavy wave-stripes in alternating body colors, with clouds topping strips between stripe and curling area of waves. To each side of side seam, front and back, a swastika above the waves. Similar border, but without wave-stripes and swastike, at elbow of sleeves, which are finished with a length of widely ribbed yellow silk termintating in cuffs of dark blue satin brocade with bats, sitting dragons and cloud forms. Wide collar of same brocade, with band extending down opening to under arm. Body lined with thn blue silk, sleeves with thin yellow brocaded silk.