A -K: Qing dynasty military uniform A: Jacket made of purple silk satin and decorated with metal studs and gold couching. The jacket has long set in sleeves with horse- shoe shaped cuffs and an opening down the center, slits on each side, curved hem- line and no collar. It is entirely covered with gold colored rounded metal studs. It has gold couched medallions in the front and back with two dragons facing each other with a flaming pearl above their heads and wave designs below their tails. There are cloud like designs in the center of the medallion. The dragons are accented with green embroidery and black eyes. The front medallion is cut in half to accommodate the opening and both medallions have four black satin loops. Next to the front opening along the hem and on the ends of the sleeves are bands of bias cut black velvet. A machine woven yellow and blue braid runs along the inner side of the velvet. the front is closed with five black satin loops and five carved brass ball buttons. There are six purple braided straps attached in the shoulder area. The garment is lined with medium blue habutai silk. B & C: Two horse shoe shaped flaps made of purple silk satin with metal studs, black velvet band, machine woven yellow and blue ribbon and lined with blue silk. Have scalloped bottoms representing a cloud. These flaps attach under the arms of the jacket on either side with plain brass ball buttons inserted into four loops each on the jacket. On the back of each flap is a blue silk strap sewn at the top and bottom. D: Squarish flap, 6.5" x 8", made of purple silk satin with metal studs, black velvet band, machine woven yellow and blue ribbon and lined with blue silk. the flap attaches to the lower left side of the jacket to plain brass ball buttons inserted into two loops on the jacket. E: Rectangular flap, 8' x 9.5" is a larger version of D and attaches to the lower center front by two plain brass ball buttons inserted into loops in the jacket and a loop in the center which fastens to the lower ball button on the front of the jacket. F & G: Pair of epaulets, which attach to the shoulders with straps on the back. The center is made of purple silk satin with studs, black velvet bands, machine made yellow and blue ribbon. In the middle is a gold couched dragon accented with green and black and white eyes. the dragon is surrounded with a wave shaped medallion. On the top of the epaulet, close to the neck is a metal band which has a center panel engraved with a dragon and clouds. On each side of the center panel are tow rows of three metal flaps engraved with dragons. On one end of this another curved flap and at the other end is a cloud shaped extension. Engraved with a dragon and a flaming pearl. On the other end is a five panel metal protective guard. These panels are engraved with three dragons and two fish. The epaulet is lined with blue silk and has four ties which fasten under the arms. There are three brass buckles that fasten to the shoulder straps. G has two studs missing from the lower end. H: Apron, consisting of two sections which hang over the legs. Made of purple silk satin with brass studs surrounded by a band of black velvet and machine made yellow and blue ribbon. In the center of each panel is a gold couched dragon accented with green embroidery with black and white eyes. They are surrounded by a cloud and wave shaped medallion. where the panel is split up the center it has been reinforced with fuschia colored embroidery but the velvet band is splitting at this point. The panels are lined with blue silk and appear to be stiffened, possibly with paper. It has a wide medium blue cotton waist band which is rounded and narrowed near the end. On each end a large loop has been sewn on with purple colored cord. I: Arm protector, (?) sleeve shaped stiffened piece with an opening at the wider top and at the narrow end. Cardboard is covered with a purple velvet and reinforced with black leather in the shape of clouds in the upper corners and the lower "cuff" section. the leather is sewn with white thread and outlined in green cotton piping which also runs down a curved seam in front and around the front top and bottom. At center front is a black leather medallion accented with green piping, seven brass flower shaped studs, and a central metal medallion which is rounded and cut out in floral design. Surrounding the leather medallion are seven brass bats interspersed with seven flower shaped studs. On the front in the two upper corners are two metal decorations which are cut out in floral shapes. On the back is a plain metal cloud shape which surrounds a hole. On the front an embossed metal ring is attached with a brass fastener. J: Satchel made of cardboard covered with purple velvet in the shape of a wide holster. Folded on the left. The front is decorated with six cloud shaped metal pieces that have a pierced floral design. Between these pieces are floral shaped metal studs. At the lower center is a leather and metal medallion identical to one on the arm protector. Above the medallion are three Chinese characters. They are stylized character for good luck. The satchel is open at the top revealing compartments created with the folds of orange felted material. there is straw inside the compartments. Two leather bands extend from the top left side. The back of the satchel has a smaller container hinged with metal fittings in three places. Container is made of stiffened purple velvet which has been folded to create three compartments with a large band around the bottom. It is decorated with green piping, leather edging and a band of leather on the back. The back has two plain shaped metal fittings which reinforce holes in the top and in the side of the satchel. Beside this are two small metal rings held in place by fittings. At the very top a bolt extends from the satchel and has a metal piece screwed on to it.

1999.037.001