Theatrical armor with dragons

Theatrical armor with dragons

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This garment is part of a set of costume armor based on the style of the eighteenth-century Manchu Qing court. The lining bears a rectangular stamp reading “used by the Grand Theater,” which indicates that it was worn by performers in the Forbidden City. The exceptional tapestry work depicting five-clawed dragons, a symbol of the emperor, further confirms the robe’s imperial palace origin. On view during Rotation 1 of exhibition from June 25, 2016 through January 13, 2017.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.