Woman's Short Coat (China), early 19th century (CH 18565493)

Short coat hand-sewn with wide sleeves, small round neck opening, and overlap buttoned at neck with two ball buttons and at right side seam with three buttons. Body of dark gray silk with woven pattern of scrolls and cruciform figures in staggered rows. Around the neck, sleeves, front and lower edges is a border of white satin embroidered with landscapes, figures and flowers in silk satin stitch and couched metal threads. The white border is framed by narrow borders of blue satin and two metal brocaded gallooms in different widths.