Manchu warrior’s ceremonial armor costume

The military garments of the Manchus, who originally came from northeastern China, reflect their lifestyle. The armor consists of a waist-length padded garment with a matching skirt, bearing medallions embroidered with dragons and other auspicious motifs. The lower garment has a split down the center for ease of riding, and the sleeves have horse hoof–shaped cuffs to protect their hands in inclement weather. Following Chinese tradition, the chest and back are guarded with a “heart-protecting mirror.” The shoulders have extra padded pieces for protection, attached to the garment with buttons and decorated with perforated gilded metal reliefs. A trapezoid hanging piece protects the belly. By the beginning of the nineteenth century, such garments could no longer protect the wearer from powerful modern weapons. These were mainly worn by imperial guards or warriors for ceremonial functions.