1617 Museum-Quality Old Chinese Hainan Run Li Ethnic Minority Woven Tunic Jacket

Rare old Chinese Ethnic Minority Woven Tunic / Jacket

Seams and collar with embroidery.

Note the variety of symbolic figures  – dragons, humans & sacred frogs – in the main weaving.

The Li are devoted to their ancestors and believe that they have descended from ancient frogs.

Such tunics are rarely found outside museums.

Early – Mid 20th century.

 Size: 1’8” x 3’6” (51 x 107 cm)

Literature reference: 

1. ‘Traditional Culture of Li Ethnic Group’

2. ‘Costumes of the Minority Peoples of China’

Related examples also available in the Bowers Museum, California

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This item has spent a lifetime being used for the purpose of its creation with the original artist/user. Signs of this life lived heartily may be present on the piece in the form of stains, thread loss, loose threads, holes, tears, color run and other imperfections. Therefore the condition must be assumed to be “not” perfect. More photos of such imperfections will be provided on request.

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