A Manchurian lady has her hair dressed. Manchu women were meticulous about their hair. They liked to roll it into a high bun or wear bun extensions, and then adorn the hairdo with flowers. They traditionally wore a tight-fitting dress with narrow sleeves, but in the late Qing period the trend towards a looser cut and wider sleeves developed as a result of the cultural intermingling between the Manchu and the Han. Taken in Beijing, circa 1871/1872.
"Almost throughout the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the classical ensemble was a jacket-and-trousers combination. In size and length the jacket corresponded to the modern swagger coat. The collar was very low; huge sleeves and trousers gave a feeling of statuesque repose." – Eileen Chang, Chinese Life and Fashions, 1943.
Small bound feet provided a stark contrast to the loose clothing, creating an image of imbalance between a heavy top and a feeble base. Taken in Hong Kong, late 19th century.
The clothes of the early 20th century adopted a slim and slender fit. The bindings became narrower in response to the body and sleeves having become tighter.
In the Qing period, the typical Han-Chinese women's garment usually adopted a loose cut to disguise the shape of the body. As for shoes, they were extremely dainty. Loose-cut upper garments have broad sleeves and decorative borders. The collar, however, is narrow and small. Pleated skirts are ornate and brightly coloured – just like other costumes during Qing times.
Pink upper garment with jacquard-woven floral motif and pleated skirt adorned with 'Eighteen Trimmings' Late Qing period (mid-19th to early 20th century) Hong Kong Museum of History collection The upper garment has a loose-cut and wide sleeves. The ornate pleated skirt features decorative borders on the front and back panels that are adorned with 18 trimmings of various widths; it also has decorated strips hanging down on each side.
In the Qing period, the typical Han-Chinese women's garment usually adopted a loose cut to disguise the shape of the body. As for shoes, they were extremely dainty. Loose-cut upper garments have broad sleeves and decorative borders. The collar, however, is narrow and small. Pleated skirts are ornate and brightly coloured – just like other costumes during Qing times.
Shoes for bound feet Late Qing period (mid-19th to early 20th century) Hong Kong Museum of History collection
In the Qing period, the typical Han-Chinese women's garment usually adopted a loose cut to disguise the shape of the body. As for shoes, they were extremely dainty. Loose-cut upper garments have broad sleeves and decorative borders. The collar, however, is narrow and small. Pleated skirts are ornate and brightly coloured – just like other costumes during Qing times.
Children's yellow upper garment with jacquard-woven floral motif Late Qing period (mid-19th to early 20th century) Hong Kong Museum of History collection This children's upper garment looks identical to the adult version. Several 1873 Hong Kong five-cent coins featuring the bust of Queen Victoria are uniquely presented as knot-shaped buttons.
These are picture cards in the 1910s. The women depicted are dressed in popular styles of the time: slender and slim blouses, yuanbao collars, long skirts with few or no pleats, and long and slim trousers. The styles are simple and neat, presenting a stark contrast to the lavish decorations of Qing attire.
These are picture cards in the 1910s. The women depicted are dressed in popular styles of the time: slender and slim blouses, yuanbao collars, long skirts with few or no pleats, and long and slim trousers. The styles are simple and neat, presenting a stark contrast to the lavish decorations of Qing attire.
These are picture cards in the 1910s. The women depicted are dressed in popular styles of the time: slender and slim blouses, yuanbao collars, long skirts with few or no pleats, and long and slim trousers. The styles are simple and neat, presenting a stark contrast to the lavish decorations of Qing attire.
These are picture cards in the 1910s. The women depicted are dressed in popular styles of the time: slender and slim blouses, yuanbao collars, long skirts with few or no pleats, and long and slim trousers. The styles are simple and neat, presenting a stark contrast to the lavish decorations of Qing attire.
These are picture cards in the 1910s. The women depicted are dressed in popular styles of the time: slender and slim blouses, yuanbao collars, long skirts with few or no pleats, and long and slim trousers. The styles are simple and neat, presenting a stark contrast to the lavish decorations of Qing attire.
These are picture cards in the 1910s. The women depicted are dressed in popular styles of the time: slender and slim blouses, yuanbao collars, long skirts with few or no pleats, and long and slim trousers. The styles are simple and neat, presenting a stark contrast to the lavish decorations of Qing attire.
These are picture cards in the 1910s. The women depicted are dressed in popular styles of the time: slender and slim blouses, yuanbao collars, long skirts with few or no pleats, and long and slim trousers. The styles are simple and neat, presenting a stark contrast to the lavish decorations of Qing attire.
