Man's informal summer coat (Changpao)

The sleeves of this summer coat—ending with cuffs shaped like horse hooves—are unique to the Manchu elites of the Qing dynasty. When the Republican era began in 1911, this style of cuff rapidly disappeared because it was associated with the deposed Manchu regime.

This garment was designed for everyday wear. It would have been worn during the summer months over cotton or silk underwear and pants. A pattern of medallions was woven into its semitransparent gauze weave. Single-color fabrics with woven patterns such as this became popular in China beginning in the eighteenth century.