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The Dawning of Hong Kong Cheongsam: The Late Qing Period to the 1920s
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- Manchurian lady has her hair dressed
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.
- Typical outfits worn by noble Han women in the Qing period
This photograph shows the typical outfits worn by noble Han women. The loose cut completely conceals the women's figure from view.
- Huge jacket-and-trousers combination worn by women throughout the Qing period
"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 and loose clothing
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.
- Slim and slender fit clothing in the late Qing
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.
- Upper garment and pleated skirt worn by Han-Chinese women (1)
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.
- Upper garment and pleated skirt worn by Han-Chinese women (2)
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
- Upper garment and pleated skirt worn by Han-Chinese women (3)
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.
- Casual wear for women (1)
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.
- Casual wear for women (2)
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.